Technology as a solution for E.coli outbreak, according to local expert

The Centers for Disease Control said 28 cases tied to E.coli have been confirmed since May 2nd, bringing the total of infected to 149 people.

The latest infections have caused even more frustration for farmers as investigators have yet to find the source of the contamination.

But an agriculture expert working for the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture said technology may offer solutions that may deter similar outbreaks from happening.

“Our center was set up for this kind of thing,” Paul Brierley with the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture said. “We could put researchers to work to see if these products are promising or not.”

Brierley said the research center is looking toward technological advances that might protect crops from wildlife.

“What can a center like ours do? One [thing] is wildlife deterrence.”

Moreover, he said romaine lettuce has not been grown in Yuma since April.

However, the CDC said consumers should still avoid eating it unless they can confirm it’s not from the Yuma growing region.