Intensive Livestock Farming and Residential Health: Experts’ Views

Abstract

The presence of intensive livestock farms in close vicinity to residential areas in the Netherlands is a complex problem characterised by knowledge uncertainty about the effects on residential health, overlapping value-driven concerns and stakeholder diversity. In order to address concerns about the health effects and effectively manage the debate about intensive livestock farming, constructive stakeholder dialogues are encouraged, informed by current scientific insights. We explored the current knowledge, beliefs and concerns of scientific experts, following the mental models approach. A summary expert model was derived from scanning the relevant literature and informed by interviews with 20 scientific experts. The study shows imprecise use of terminology by experts. Moreover, they appear to perceive intensive livestock farming not as a major health problem at least at this moment for neighbouring residents in the Netherlands. Broader themes such as (environmental) unsustainability and biodiversity loss seem a more prominent concern among the experts. Our study questions whether dialogues should only focus on residential health or cover broader values and concerns. However, mental models about risk may differ with other stakeholders, impeding communication. Hence, we will identify other stakeholders’ knowledge, beliefs and value-based concerns in the light of facilitating constructed dialogues between stakeholders.

Farmers and Local Residents Collaborate: Application of a Participatory Citizen Science Approach to Characterising Air Quality in a Rural Area in The Netherlands

“…In rural/agricultural areas, livestock farming is a source of environmental concern [ 1 ]. Among residents exposure to air pollution has raised health concerns, and exposure to odour has led to nuisance (odour annoyance; [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]). This may in turn cause tension between residents and farmers [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…Among residents exposure to air pollution has raised health concerns, and exposure to odour has led to nuisance (odour annoyance; [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]). This may in turn cause tension between residents and farmers [ 2 , 3 ]. Air polluting substances have previously been measured inside livestock stables in order to establish emission factors (e.g., [ 5 , 6 ]).…”

Untangling the Governance of Public Health Aspects of Manure in The Netherlands

“…Still, many uncertainties on the public health risks from manure and manure treatment remain [ 3 , 46 ]. However, surrounding residents of intensive livestock production facilities and manure treatment plants may suffer from odour nuisance, which impacts their wellbeing [ 47 ]. Perceived odour nuisance increases residents’ irritation and health concerns, due to the uncertain public health risks of manure.…”

Managing botulism outbreaks associated with poultry litter: balancing perceived animal welfare with disease prevention

“…Eijrond and colleagues22 suggest that while small-scale or extensive animal husbandry may stimulate the natural behaviour of animals, it presents a greater risk of exposure to pathogens such as C botulinum . Public perception of welfare in indoor livestock is often poor, but many experts argue that large-scale farms are modern and take animal welfare into consideration 22. Although the public is bombarded with media portraying the perceived disadvantages of indoor livestock production, these arguments are seldom balanced with the advantages of these modern, biosecure farms.…”