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With humans and horses sharing use of trails in parks and on national lands, a question has arisen in the minds of some hikers. As they dodge piles of manure, should they be concerned about any possible health impacts? Apparently not, according to information on the website of the Equine Land Conservation Resource.

An article on the site refers to several studies that have found no evidence of a threat to the health of humans who encounter horse manure while hiking. While feces from dogs, cats, or other domestic pets can be a reservoir for transmission of various infections like toxoplasmosis, equine waste is virtually free of the types of microorganisms that can infect humans. Parasites that infect horses are not a threat to humans, so parasite eggs that may be contained in horse manure are not dangerous to hikers.

Up to 80% of horse manure is water that quickly evaporates or leaches into the ground. While this liquid does contain microorganisms from the horse’s digestive tract, it does not contain significant levels of Cryptosporidium or Giardia, two dangerous waterborne pathogens that backcountry hikers are likely to encounter in streams and springs.

The rest of the manure is made up of undigestible plant parts such as structural fibers in grasses and grain hulls. This material dries rapidly, breaking down into small bits of organic matter that naturally fertilize the ground. In appearance, dried manure looks a lot like dried grass that can be found on a mowed lawn.

Still not convinced that it’s safe to step in horse manure as you hike? Then consider this: the Environmental Protection Agency excludes horse manure from solid waste regulations because it does not contain significant amounts of hazardous chemicals and exhibits no hazardous characteristics.

So go ahead, hike along, scrape your boots before you go into your tent, wash your hands (but not in the stream or spring) before cooking or eating, and don’t worry about any ill effects from the horses that have been on the trail ahead of you.

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