Concentrated Swine Feeding Operations and Public Health: A Review of Occupational and Community Health Effects

Abstract

Recent industry change 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 chalienge to effective environmental management but also are associated with decreased air quality in confinement houses, potentialy 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 assodated with study design all contribute to the inadequate level ofknowledge that currendy prevails. However, an evaluation ofthe published literature, and a recognition of the elements that may be compromising these studies, provides the foundation from which future studies may develop.

Livestock-Associated, Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage and Recent Skin and Soft Tissue Infection among Industrial Hog Operation Workers

“…aureus may spread from animals to humans through direct contact and through contact with animal dander, particles from decomposing waste [2], and aerosols generated by animal activity (e.g. movement, coughing, and/or sneezing) [3]. Clonal complex (CC) 398 is the most widely described strain, although CC9 is increasingly reported in Asia [4,5] and the United States [6,7].…”

Ambient Endotoxin Concentrations and Assessment of Offsite Transport at Open‐Lot and Open‐Freestall Dairies

“…Manure management and storage practices can also produce air pollutants such as particulate matter and volatile compounds, as well as a variety of bioaerosols, that may have adverse health effects on animals, farm workers, and individuals in nearby residences (Cole et al, 2008; Mitloehner and Calvo, 2008). Inhalation of bioaerosols and dusts from animal feeding operations has been associated with increased levels of allergy, asthma, and infectious disease (Cole et al, 2000; Von Essen and Auvermann, 2005). Airborne endotoxins, in particular, have received much attention because they are a potent inducer of inflammatory reactions in the respiratory tract when inhaled (Portengen et al, 2005).…”

Comparing human respiratory adverse effects after acute exposure to particulate matter in conventional and particle-reduced swine building environments

“…Alternatively, the health effects could be caused by another agent in the environment, possibly other chemicals (metals, irritative gases (eg, NH 3 , O 3 and H 2 S) or other inorganic substances) or biological agents (virus, bacteria (eg, Gram-positive bacteria constituent PGN), mould or fungus) that were either not changed or not measured in this study 31 38. In our previous studies, health effects seemed to be linked especially to PGN, while ammonia could be ruled out 16 17 36 37…”