Question
Hello James!

I am concerned about the safety of my garden after reading about the spread of disease in Chinese agricultural fields where human feces is used as fertilizer.  I remembered that, about a year ago, my youngest son confessed to me that he had "gone poo-poo" in the inedible plants garden, in the hopes that his "manure" would have the same affect as horse manure.  At the time, I explained to him that carnivore feces is unsuitable for plants, and then put it out of my mind, my only concern being that our elephant ears (and one flower in a pot) might die.  

However, now I am worried that the soil has been permanently contaminated.  I am also concerned that whatever pathogens were in the feces may have spread to the other end of the garden (about 15 feet away), tainting our produce.  Will the rain and sun of about a year's time have reversed any possible damage, or do I need to take action?

Answer
Hi, You don't have anything to worry about.  The danger arises from large amounts being used as fertilizer, especially in areas where there may be health issues.  Most compost piles do not reach high enough temperatures to kill all pathogens in feces, so you don't want to handle or use it and never use raw sewage as fertilizer.  The main concern would be internal parasites, tapeworms, etc.  One event though, will have no impact on your soil, it is safe.
Chances are good that animals have "gone poo-poo" in you garden...birds, cats, rodents, etc., but as you say, sun, rain and soil microbes quickly take care of it.  Jim