Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
July 10, 2012
A report from RIVM = Dutch CDC. Main conclusion seems to be: we should know more about it.
Risk of infections from livestock farming for people living nearby
Abstract
At present it cannot be determined with any certainty whether or not people living nearby intensive livestock farms are at increased risk of contracting zoonotic infectious diseases that are transmitted from animal to human. This is because there are insufficient data available on the risks with regard to the distance to the farm, the type of farming being done and the size of the farming enterprise. The only disease for which there are strong indications that people living nearby are at increased risk of contracting it is Q fever. It is also known that livestock farmers and farm employees are at increased risk of contracting some zoonotic diseases. Often, it is direct contact with animals that constitutes the risk factor.
Six zoonotic infectious diseases studied
The above has been concluded by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) based on a literature study that was carried out by order of the Dutch Municipal Public Health Services (GGD). They asked RIVM to clarify the background of the distance recommendation of one to two kilometres that dates from 2008. This recommendation apparently refers to the distance between enterprises and is aimed at controlling animal diseases, in particular bird flu (avian influenza). In the current report, the RIVM has looked at whether a risk can be determined for neighbouring residents of livestock farms by analysing data on six zoonotic diseases. These diseases are, bird flu, Q fever, psittacosis, campylobacteriosis, livestock-associated MRSA, and ESBL-producing bacteria.
In order to gain insight into the infection risks for neighbouring resident of livestock farms, it is important to carry out further research. For example, studies could be done into possible links between the presence of micro-organisms in the environment of the livestock farms and the degree to which zoonotic infections occur in neighbouring residents.
RIVM
Link to full report - in Dutch - PDF
.
A report from RIVM = Dutch CDC. Main conclusion seems to be: we should know more about it.
Risk of infections from livestock farming for people living nearby
Abstract
At present it cannot be determined with any certainty whether or not people living nearby intensive livestock farms are at increased risk of contracting zoonotic infectious diseases that are transmitted from animal to human. This is because there are insufficient data available on the risks with regard to the distance to the farm, the type of farming being done and the size of the farming enterprise. The only disease for which there are strong indications that people living nearby are at increased risk of contracting it is Q fever. It is also known that livestock farmers and farm employees are at increased risk of contracting some zoonotic diseases. Often, it is direct contact with animals that constitutes the risk factor.
Six zoonotic infectious diseases studied
The above has been concluded by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) based on a literature study that was carried out by order of the Dutch Municipal Public Health Services (GGD). They asked RIVM to clarify the background of the distance recommendation of one to two kilometres that dates from 2008. This recommendation apparently refers to the distance between enterprises and is aimed at controlling animal diseases, in particular bird flu (avian influenza). In the current report, the RIVM has looked at whether a risk can be determined for neighbouring residents of livestock farms by analysing data on six zoonotic diseases. These diseases are, bird flu, Q fever, psittacosis, campylobacteriosis, livestock-associated MRSA, and ESBL-producing bacteria.
In order to gain insight into the infection risks for neighbouring resident of livestock farms, it is important to carry out further research. For example, studies could be done into possible links between the presence of micro-organisms in the environment of the livestock farms and the degree to which zoonotic infections occur in neighbouring residents.
RIVM
Link to full report - in Dutch - PDF
.