Is there a
risk of disease transmission from pigs to humans through
water?
Pathogens present in water can be the result of
contamination from feces or urine from various wildlife
species, such as deer, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, rats,
mice and squirrels, as well as livestock manure that is not
spread on the soil properly. While a large number of
potential pathogens can be shed in human and animal feces,
relatively few cause waterborne disease outbreaks. Data
clearly show that human sewage contamination and failures in
drinking water treatment have been major causes of
large-scale breakouts.
Pork operations are strictly prohibited from discharging
manure into lakes, streams or other surface water bodies.
Other non-agricultural permitted facilities, such as
municipalities, housing subdivisions and industries, can and
do discharge treated effluent to water bodies. Public water
systems are required to filter surface water sources and to
reduce the risk of water contamination.
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Odor Management
Do hog odors present a public health risk?
Odors in general are regarded as nuisances rather than
health risks, but some of the chemicals that make up an odor
may be harmful to humans at high concentrations. Health
effects from odorous compounds are not well understood.
There are exposure concentrations set for specific odorous
gases by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
to protect people, including those who work in pork
production systems.
Many researchers are working to learn how odors and gases
move and change as they leave farms. As the air
moves away from the source, gases will mix with fresh
air and be less detectable. Researchers are addressing
whether compounds from manure can affect human health and at
what levels.
How can pig odors be
reduced or minimized?
The best way to
control odors is to properly manage the production
facilities. Odors come from three basic places on a farm:
animal housing, manure storage and fields where manure is
applied. Trees around the site help mix air and reduce odor.
Following are other strategies: |
