The Prevalence of E.coli and Fecal Coliforms on Equestrian Workers’ Boots in Central Kentucky

Indianapolis, IN

Forty-five samples were taken from equine workers' boots at 4 horse farms in central Kentucky. E.coli was isolated from 24 samples (53.3%) and fecal coliforms were isolated from 42 (93.3%) out of the 45 total samples collected. Sterile swabs were used to collect the samples from the boots. The swabs were placed in Stuarts transport medium and arrived at the lab within 2 hours. Upon arrival the samples were streaked for isolation on Coliscan Easygel© plates under a laminar air flow hood. The inoculated plates were placed in an incubator at 35º C and read for presence or absence of E.coli and/or fecal coliforms at 24 and 48 hours. E.coli and fecal coliforms found on the boots may be a possible source of secondary infections in the communities.