The risk of infection caused by coastal grazing is estimated to be low in recreational use of surface waters. This is revealed by a study on the occurrence of pathogens originating from cattle and sheep grazing in coastal areas in surface waters off the coast of North Ostrobothnia.
In the study, enteric microbes of ruminant origin were also observed on bathing sites. These microbes indicating faecal contamination do not automatically pose a risk of infection to humans. However, as no enteric pathogens from ruminants were found in the water samples, the risk of infection caused by coastal grazing remains low for the users of the water areas.