Is Bat Guano a Safe Fertiliser?

A study published in the journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases in December revealed the cases of the two men.

The study spotlights two fatal cases of histoplasmosis. This is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, as a result of the cannabis growers' connection with bat guano.

Both cases mentioned in the study transpired in Rochester, New York, and were connected to bat guano used to fertilizecannabis plants. This is significant given the use of bat guano as a common nutrient-rich "biofertilizer" for cannabis.

One case concerned a 59-year-old man who had a weakened immune system, emphysema and rheumatoid arthritis. He was known to be taking adalimumab, a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. He suffered from respiratory failure, weight loss and problems swallowing. Medical Images demonstrated intense lung damage and a biopsy defined a yeast fungus to be present that is compatible with Histoplasma capsulatum. This is a fungus commonly found in soil contaminated with bat or bird droppings.

The man in question was known to have bought bat guano online to fertilise cannabis and is thought to have inadvertently grown the fungus and inhaled it. Despite being treated with antifungal drugs, his situation deteriorated due to aspiration and he unfortunately died.

The second case concerned a 64-year-old man suffering from peripheral artery disease and noteworthy weight loss who had been using bat guano as a cannabis fertiliser for the plants grown in his loft.

Medical images revealed numerous lung lesions along with cysts in the pancreas and adrenal glands. He was diagnosed with a fungal infection, disseminated histoplasmosis which was treated with itraconazole.

The treatment was successful in reducing the lesions, but unfortunately due to complications such as reduced blood flow to the intestines, he did eventually pass away.

Is Bat Guano Safe?

These two cases have shown that as cannabis cultivation increases, particularly following legalisation, growers may be subconsciously exposed to the fungus. The study has raised the need for testing bat guano in fertilizers and for promoting an understanding of defensive measures like wearing masks.

The University of Rochester investigators who conducted the study also commented that immunocompromised people are at a higher risk and that cannabis cultivation should be documented in patients' medical records to permit early diagnosis and prevention if required.

Bat guano is a natural fertilizer, extremely rich in nitrogen that has a positive effect on plant growth. It is known to help enhance soil structure, promote beneficial microbial activity, and assist with better absorption of water and nutrients.

Bat guano releases nutrients at a much slower rate than synthetic fertilisers, which minimizes the risk of plants being overfertilised. Additionally, Guano safeguards plants against leaf fungus, promotes growth, enhances the production of resin, and rejuvenates the soil.

More From Soft Secrets:

Natural Fertilisers for Cannabis

Guano, Natures Best Fertiliser

Substrates