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Longwood Researchers Find Salmonella in Streams

Posted: 12:48 PM Mar 2, 2013

March 2, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Longwood University researchers have found apparently high levels of salmonella bacteria in some central Virginia streams.

Biology associate professor David Buckalew says salmonella was detected in the Appomattox River and two creeks near Farmville in 2011 and 2012. He tells The Richmond Times-Dispatch that while salmonella levels looked high, it's hard to say for sure because there's no legally unhealthy standard for salmonella in streams.

Still, he says the data suggests bacteria in those streams could be harmful. Buckalew and students who participated in the research found salmonella strains that can cause diarrhea, cramps and fever.

Rebecca LePrell of the state Health Department calls the Longwood effort a "well thought-out research study." She says she knows of no confirmed reports of salmonella in Virginia streams sickening or killing anyone.