Stability of Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Agricultural Pastures: Lessons from Kentucky, USA

Animal and human wastes contain fecal bacteria, including pathogens that can contaminate groundwater, streams, lakes, and reservoirs through runoff and infiltration. Bacterial nonpoint sources of pollution continually impair water quality (Hartel et al., 2002). These pollution sources may come from failed septic systems, large animal operations, land application of wastes, sewage treatment facilities, and wildlife. Fecal pollution of rivers and streams is of great concern due to the direct potential threat to human health, and the increased costs associated with water treatment.