[abigkahuna]

Here's what I really don't understand. Is rat-lungworm a Hawaii specific parasite? What kills it? I have never heard of this disease and find it problematic. Because here we are heading into a severe economic downturn where lots of folks might turn to backyard gardening to supplement their diet and now there is something new to worry about?

Has rat lungworm always been with us? What are the low cost ways to prevent it? Is just washing leafy greens the answer?

This article leaves out some important details I think. Either there is an agenda against organic farming, or it is a true hazard that organic farmers realize and DO counter?

Or is this a scare article to give folks the idea to not raise their own veggies and leave it to industry farming.? I went and read the original article and I am still puzzled. TIme to do more research.

[AndrewWalden]

Rat Lungworm is a tropical disease. It would be killed off by cold temps on the mainland.
Increased use of manure and no use of pesticides both increase the chance for this and other diseases to be spread. Add in “Raw Foodism” which is the latest fad in Puna, and the increase in exposure, combined with a semi-religious outlook, really make for trouble.
Some people falsely believed that organic = safe and raw = safe. All of these beliefs make people more suceptible to not take the necessary precautions such as thorough washing. But because the nematode/worm is so small, even a very well-washed veggie may remain contaminated.