Posted: May 26th, 2010 - 7:56am by Doug Powell

Imagine the levels of E. coli O157 and other Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) in that sand for the kiddies to play in.

This picture from, axppp/ZUMA Press, shows a herd of cows resting on a beach in Corsica, France on Monday (May 24).

Faded Tribune reports that for years, authorities have been trying to put a stop to the packs of animals that regularly wander onto the streets of this sun-kissed island between France and Italy.

Nearly every day, the herds damage village property and frequently cause serious road accidents. Last year, authorities had to stop air traffic at Figari airport in southern Corsica after pigs invaded the main runway. A few months ago, a bull tripped off a cliff and landed on the terrace of a bar. In their attempts to end the stampede, mayors from towns across the island have called in veterinarians, military police and the central French government — all to no avail.

Local officials estimate that 10 000 cows and many more pigs roam the island, which is three times the size of Long Island. In recent months, mayors have passed bylaws giving wolf hunters the authority to shoot the rambling animals.