Increased consumer satisfaction will lead to increased consumer confidence in beef products and in turn, increased demand. State Specific Key Theme - Foodborne Pathogen Protection a. To improve our understanding of the fate of C. parvum eggs from agricultural runoff, Nevada Cooperative Extension and University of Nevada researchers are examining how well various computer models predict the survival of oocysts under controlled laboratory conditions. Their goal is to quantify the ability of C. parvum eggs to survive and use the results to assess the real risk from animal agriculture and wildland runoff. The first order model is now being used to develop a model of population decay that looks at the effects of low soil moisture and high temperatures.
Preliminary results indicate that temperatures have a very important effect on oocysts.
Generally, outbreaks across the U.S. of C. parvum are attributable to water treatment facility deficiencies during peak influxes. Development of mathematical models that enable water utility personnel and recreational water managers to prepare for peak influxes of C. parvum will have both economic and public health benefits. By predicting C. parvum's peak influxes into water supplies, facility managers can schedule maintenance of filtration systems pre- or post peak influxes insuring the public against unwanted outbreaks. Managers can also assess the risks posed to swimmers and boaters during periods of high runoff by utilizing the models created during this project. Toxicity of the isolates was determined by performing verocytotoxicity tests.