This bacterium has a waxy protective coating that protects it from most
bactericides or harsh environmental conditions - that's why it is so
difficult to kill. It will live in wet or dry conditions in soil, water,
compost, mud etc., etc, including plants. It can also be airborne and inhaled.
Adrian.
Adrian R. Tappin
"Home of the Rainbowfish"
http://www.ecn.net.au/~atappin/home.htm