Material From Original Gov't Discussion Paper
[ Intro to Disease Transmission as a concern from original discussion papersource#1, "Common Concerns" section p.5 ]Some neighbours of livestock operations are concerned about transmission of disease from animals to humans (zoonotic diseases). Bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasites can spread these types of diseases:
- Bacteria are commonly found in livestock manure, and may survive for some time. Only a few of these bacteria can be transmitted to humans from animals.
- Viruses that may be present in livestock manure do not normally survive for long. Bacteria and environmental conditions inactivate viruses, which need a host organism to reproduce.
- Parasites, such as roundworm and nematodes, can produce eggs that survive in livestock manure. However, most usually cause disease only in the host animal species, and not in humans.
- Protozoa are hardier, and may cause illness, particularly if present in drinking water sources.
Disease-causing organisms can be spread from livestock to humans through direct contact such as touching animals or handling manure. Showering, changing clothes and using an antiseptic wash helps prevent illness after working with manure or in a barn.
Disease can become water-borne if organisms in the manure migrate to sources of drinking water. Migration can occur if manure is spread too close to surface water or in areas of steep slope. Rapid movement to groundwater can also occur if manure is spread in areas with sinkholes, bedrock outcrops or very coarse soils.
The keys to preventing pathogen transmission are proper management of manure and proper storage and disposal of mortalities, as outlined in the Livestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation. (For further detail, see "Manitoba Regulations and Guidelines.")
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Material From "Common Ground" Government Report
Other Material and References