ANTHRAX Canberra, Thursday 13 March 1997Julian Lee Newspaper story
"Systems like organic farming appear to be a good way of avoiding anthrax," said Rosemary Metcalf of the Canberra Permaculture group.
Anthrax is an acute, infectious bacterial disease. It produces spores which can lie dormant in the soil for more than 60 years and which are highly resistant to heat and chemicals.
The disease is fatal to both domestic animals and humans, if left untreated. Cattle acquire the disease primarily by eating the spores in infected soil, contaminated fodder, or infected meat and bone meal. Humans become infected through direct handling of infected animals, and occasionally by consuming infected meat.
Anthrax is only a problem if the spores germinate and multiply. This occurs in conditions of high temperature, moist humid conditions and where there is a lack of other soil bacteria.
Although these conditions occur together only infrequently, the one controllable factor is populations of soil bacteria.
"Pesticides are recognised to rapidly decrease life in the soil," says Michelle Johnson of the Canberra Organic Growers. Johnson says that on farms where chemicals are overused, the soil is often very low in healthy bacteria. This leads to conditions suitable for anthrax growth.
"Feed the soil first, then the soil feeds the plant," says Johnson, "The soil is the focus in organic agriculture." Johnson emphasised the importance of increasing the organic matter in the soil, which helps to feed bacteria and worms. Worms have a plethora of bacteria in their gut which, when eliminated as worm castings (manure), dramatically increase soil fertility and number of soil bacteria.
In a world with increasing numbers of people to feed, prevention of disease and soil degradation are important in maintaining food stocks. In this respect, organic agriculture may have a vital role to play in Australia's future.
ENDS.
SOURCES
Telephone interview with Michelle Johnson, Canberra Organic Growers tel 231-6219
Telephone interview with Rosemary Metcalf, Canberra Permaculture Group tel 247-3612
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