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In order to evaluate the role of some synanthropic animals in the spreading of Escherichia coli O157, laboratory rats and domestic pigeons were experimentally infected per os with E. coli O157. Rats infected with 10(5) colony forming units (cfu) (n = 5) and 10(9) cfu (n = 5) shed E. coli O157 for 2 +/- 1.7 d and 9.8 +/- 1.3 d, respectively. In the faeces of infected rats stored at 4 degrees C in a moist environment, at 4 degrees C in a dry environment or at 20 degrees C in a moist environment, E. coli O157 survived for 34 weeks. When stored at 20 degrees C or - 20 degrees C in a dry environment, E. coli O157 survived for greater than or = 36 weeks. Pigeons infected with 10(5) cfu (n = 5) and 10(9) cfu (n = 5) shed the pathogen for 14.8 +/- 3.4 d and 20.2 +/- 5.2 d, respectively. Both species, rats and pigeons, can be important in spreading of the E. coli O157 infection in cattle.

In June 1983 a community health survey was conducted in a village in the Izi area of South East Nigeria. The study covered all 127 families and 938 inhabitants of the village. This survey identified 2 different groups in the community: 1) the group representing the traditional and more conservative aspects of Izi society; and 2) the group representing the more innovative lifestyle. The results reveal significant differences in the health experiences of the innovators and the traditionalists as well as their readiness to seek health care during illness. It had not been expected that a busy health center which seemed to attract people from far distances did not provide effective coverage even for the village where it was located. Services including those providing health care are often overburdened and one is rarely able to see beyond the day to day acute problems. A system of home visiting utilizing auxiliaries like the community health aides needs to be developed and a conscious effort made to slant the services in favor of the most vulnerable groups. Education and literacy make it easy for people to understand the content of a new message. A womens group has been meeting regularly in the study population with the majority of the members from amongst the innovators. Many of them are literate and enjoy a special status on account of their membership in the group. Hence many of them become change agents within their compounds. Developments in health and other aspects of life will occur when the traditional Izi community sees the need for change and identifies with the activities evolved to improve health and productivity.