North Carolina's hog population is approaching 10 million. For example, fertilizers applied on home gardens and golf courses, auto emissions of nitrogen, and industries that refine oil or burn coal can also contribute. The recent outbreaks of Pfiesteria only heighten Americans' concern about clean water, a concern that hasn't diminished in the 25 years since the Clean Water Act was signed. Although we've made strides in cutting pollution from industries, more needs to be done to keep waterways safe from polluted run-off. Livestock farmers need to handle wastes in ways that protect our water, but it's everybody's responsibility to reduce pollution.
Pollution prevention is the key.
Restoring overall health to our rivers, estuaries and bays will require concerted efforts to address those sources combined with protecting and restoring the wetlands and forested buffers that play such critical roles in filtering out pollutants, preventing them from flowing into our waterways. That's how we can help stop Pfiesteria in its tracks. The recent outbreaks of the Pfiesteria microbe have prompted great concern among citizens, particularly with regard to the health effects. Although scientists have not yet conclusively determined what causes outbreaks of the deadly form, the health impacts on wildlife have been quite clear. The toxic forms of Pfiesteria often attack fish, such as menhaden, causing the formation of skin lesions and ultimately death.