Respiratory and Other Health Risks among Poultry-Farm Workers and Evaluation of Management Practices in Poultry Farms

Abstract

The current study was conducted on eight poultry farms in Lahore and Sheikhupura to monitor environmental conditions, determine workers' health status and assess the implementation of standard management practices. Environmental monitoring, a health questionnaire survey and a respiratory function test were carried out. Seventy-one respondents were selected for the health assessment survey and lung function test. The results showed that the evaluated air-quality parameters, except for temperature and humidity, were well below the permissible occupational limits. Maximum temperature recorded was 32.75 ºC, while the highest humidity level was 85.5%. Farms were shown to be compliant with standard guidelines and management practices. The workers' health survey indicated lower prevalence of work-related symptoms as compared to previous studies. However, most workers were not subjected to overall physical hazards, 21.1% of workers suffered from heat-induced dermatosis, and 38% suffered from heat exhaustion. Eye problems (watery, redness and itchiness) were experienced by 16.9% to 31%. Reported respiratory symptoms included wheezing during colds (18.3%), wheezing other than during colds (1.4%), chest tightness (16.9%), shortness of breath along with chest tightness (9.9%), regular breathing difficulties (14.1%), and coughing (15.5%). Observed lung function pattern, as measured by FEV1/FVC ratio, was 87 ± 17.7, with 65% workers having 'restrictive' disorder and 21% normal lung function pattern, while 21% presented 'obstructive' lung function. The study concludes an overall better health and safety management in the selected poultry farms.

Chronic Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function of Farmer and Breeder in UTU Village, Tabanan, Bali

“…That study found that respiratory symptoms had a high prevalence in farmers, wheezing was experienced by 18.3%, chest tightness (16.9%), dyspnea (14.1%), and coughing (15.5%). Based on spirometry examination, 65% of farmers experienced restrictive lung disease and 21% had obstructive abnormalities [27]. Research conducted by Radon et al in 2007 found that populations who live around 500 m from livestock with more than 12 animals had higher risk of experiencing wheezing (odds ratio 2.45; 95% CI 1.22-4.90) compared to livestock with <12 animal [28].…”

Microbial contamination of the air in livestock buildings as a threat to human and animal health – a review

“…Allergens, immunotoxins and infectious agents, including pathogenic microorganisms inducing zoonoses and drug-resistant strains, pose the greatest threat to people handling livestock (Dutkiewicz and Górny, 2002). In livestock farm workers, these factors most often cause respiratory diseases, including chronic bronchitis and obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as asthma and organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) (Hartung and Schulz, 2011;Hamid et al, 2018;May et al, 2012;Viegas et al, 2013). Research results have confirmed that every fifth worker employed in agriculture suffers from respiratory disorders, with symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath (Hamid et al, 2018).…”