Concentrated swine feeding operations and public health: a review of occupational and community health effects.

Abstract

Recent industry changes in swine-management practices have resulted in a growing controversy surrounding the environmental and public health effects of modern swine production. The numerous wastes produced by intensive swine production not only pose a significant challenge to effective environmental management but also are associated with decreased air quality in confinement houses, potentially transferable antimicrobial resistance patterns, and several infectious agents that can be pathogenic to humans. Published studies have documented a variety of contaminants, microbial agents, and health effects in those occupationally exposed to swine, and these have provided the groundwork for an increasing body of research to evaluate possible community health effects. Nonetheless, several factors limit our ability to define and quantify the potential role of intensive swine-rearing facilities in occupational and community health. Our incomplete understanding and ability to detect specific exposures; the complicated nature of disease etiology; pathogenesis; and surveillance; and the inherent difficulties associated with study design all contribute to the inadequate level of knowledge that currently prevails. However; an evaluation of the published literature; and a recognition of the elements that may be compromising these studies; provides the foundation from which future studies may develop.

Molecular Analysis of Bacterial and Circovirus Bioaerosols in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

“…Concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) employment is associated with increased incidences of multiple respiratory disorders, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, organic dust toxic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rhinitis, hypersensitivity, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide poisoning, and acute lower respiratory tract inflammation (Donham et al 1989a;Crook et al 1991;Schenker et al 1998;Von Essen and Donham 1999;Cole et al 2000;Sprince et al 2000;Danuser et al 2001;Radon et al 2001Radon et al , 2002Monso et al 2003Monso et al , 2004. Chronic airway inflammation possibly is exacerbated by exposure to microbes and their products in bioaerosols.…”

Exposure to particles and fungi in Portuguese swine production

“…The number of animals and the handling and management required to work in these settings also contribute to enhance that microbial load (Clark et al, 1983;Cole et al, 2000;Douwes et al, 2003;Zejda et al, 1994). Exposure to bioaerosols in swines may vary depending upon the stage of the animals' growth, density, manure management procedures, used floor coverage, among others (HSE, 2009;Mc Donnell et al, 2008).…”

The Animal-Human Interface and Infectious Disease in Industrial Food Animal Production: Rethinking Biosecurity and Biocontainment

“…Workers involved in removing the wastes from animal houses, transporting wastes, and spreading wastes on land are especially at risk of exposure to pathogens through inhalation, dermal contact, and hand-to-mouth transfers. 43 In contrast to the management of human biosolids, 44 there are relatively few regulations for animal waste disposal and no specific requirements for treatment. Apart from some use in animal feeds and aquaculture, poultry and swine wastes are almost entirely managed by land disposal.…”