Food Safety: It's in Everyone's Hands,
OMAFRA Food Safety Video
Food Safety and Traceability Initiative,
OMAFRA. This
funding will help facilities adopt food safety and traceability
practices. These practices help producers and processors respond to
market demands for safe food and improve product tracking.
Farm Safety Association Fact Sheets, Farm Safety Association,
Suite 22-23, 340 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1H 7K6
-
Fact Sheet - Farmer's Lung: It takes your
breath away! Farmer's lung is an allergy caused by dust from
moldy hay, straw and grain. In early stages of the disease, it
can seem like nothing worse than a nagging winter cold. If
ignored, the allergic reaction can cause permanent lung damage.
The victim may be forced to give up farming and -- in some
cases -- may suffer from permanent disability or even death.
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Fact Sheet - Manure Gas
Dangers:
Many livestock operations use liquid manure systems as a
fast and economical method of handling animal wastes. These
systems, particularly if they are incorporated into the barn
construction, may pose a serious hazard because of gases
produced. Decomposing animal manure gives off a variety of gases
including hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide and methane. Of all
these gases, hydrogen sulphide or more commonly called manure
gas, is the most dangerous. Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) has been
responsible for many animal deaths as well as occasional human
deaths. [990311]
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Fact Sheet - Fencing Farm Ponds, Lagoons & Other Hazardous Areas:
[pdf] Each year in Ontario and Canada, there are a number of
drowning in farm ponds, waterways and lagoons. The danger of
drowning has increased dramatically with the widespread adoption
of liquid manure systems. These hazardous areas pose some unique
problems for landowners. The liability situation with respect to
this area is unclear with few legal precedents to offer
guidance.
Air Quality Inside Livestock Barns - Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Factsheet - Agdex#:
400/717; Publication Date: 01/93; Order#: 93-001; Last Reviewed:
09/97 - Yves Choinière and J.A. Munroe. - In modern livestock barns,
proper indoor air quality is imperative to maintain the health and
productivity of farm workers and animals. Some problems related to
the health of farm workers have been noticed, especially since the
1970's, coinciding with the rapid changes from small traditional
farms to large intensive livestock operations.
Waste Products and Hazardous Materials - Publications
of the Water Quality & Waste Management Initiative, North Carolina
State U. & the North Carolina Coop. Ext. Service -
Safety in Swine Production Systems - Prepared by: James Barker,
North Carolina State University, Stanley Curtis, University of
Illinois, Ordie Hogsett, University of Illinois, Frank Humenik,
North Carolina State University - Published by: North Carolina
Cooperative Extension Service, Publication Number: PIH-104 [Last
Electronic Revision: March 1996 (JWM)].
Human Health
Issues Associated with the Hog Industry (Jan. 1999)
[266 KB pdf] Melva Okun, Environmental Resource Program,
School of Public Health, The
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, - Section 1 -
includes research findings and information related to air issues
(specific concerns for the health of workers employed in the hog
industry; the effect on the physical and mental health of neighbors
to hog ILOs; and some preliminary concerns for asthmatics living in
proximity to such operations). Section 2 - covers
groundwater issues associated with hog ILOs and the related health
concerns of consuming water contaminated with nitrates. Section 3
- includes some of the surface water issues that appear to be
related to high nutrient waters. Section 4 - contains
information about infectious disease concerns for workers and
neighbors to such hog operations. In Section Five the findings are
summarized and recommendations made.
Full Report.
The Health of Our Air.
1999 [4321 KB pdf] Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Report. In
this report, focus is on the effect of Canadian agriculture on the
atmosphere. Specifically, to answer three questions: 1) How
do farming practices affect the composition of the atmosphere? 2)
What is the amount of agriculture's emissions to the air? 3) How
can we reduce these emissions?
Air Quality Inside Livestock Barns.
OMAFRA FactSheet -
Yves Choinière and J.A. Munroe - Agdex#: 400/717; Publication Date:
01/93; Order#:93-001; Last Reviewed:09/97 - Introduction; Air
quality requirements for farm animals; Air quality for livestock
producers; Noxious gases; Calculation of exposure values;
(OSHA,Ontario,1996); Calculation of exposure values where a STEV or
a CEV is NOT indicated; Dust in livestock barns; Conclusion;
Acknowledgements.
Livestock Housing Ventilation Air Inlet Designs and Management
AEX-110-94 - Glen J. Arnold, Michael A. Veenhuizen - Ohio
State University Fact Sheet - Food,
Agricultural and Biological Engineering - Properly sized and
managed air inlets are critical to the successful operation of a
mechanically ventilated livestock building. When air inlets are not
properly located, designed and managed by the livestock producer,
animals can become stressed resulting in sickness and reduced
performance.
Ag Engineering
Fact Sheet Index.
Harmful
Algal Blooms in North Carolina. Quick Facts on Pfiesteria -
June 1998 - Pfiesteria (fee-STEER-ee-uh), is a microscopic aquatic
organism that sometimes produces chemicals called toxins that can
injure or kill fish, and that may also cause temporary health
problems in people who breathe in the chemicals or get them on their
skin. -
Other
Occupational and Environmental Contaminants Fact Sheets.
Intensive Livestock Operations Health and Quality of Life Among
Eastern North Carolina Residents - This 20-page document
was prepared for the NC Department of Health and Human Services by
Dr. Steve Wing and Research Associate Susanne Wolf of the Department
of Epidemiology, UNC School of Public Health. It presents the
results of a health survey conducted in three rural eastern NC
communities in February 1999.
Floods:
Minimizing Pollution and Health Risks. Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN
55155-4194 - Spring flooding in Minnesota can sometimes reach
catastrophic levels in some areas. For example, due to the melting
of record-breaking snowfalls in northwestern Minnesota in 1997, the
Red River area experienced what climatologists called a "500-year
flood." Because of the severity of this flood, many communities were
overcome by the flood waters. Floods can create environmental
problems if precautions are not taken to minimize pollution and
health risks. Listed below is information on what Minnesota
residents can do to protect their businesses, homes and families
from environmental problems caused by floods.
Food Safety Network. Contact:
fsnrsn@uoguelph.ca, Dept. of
Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1; tel:
866-503-7638; fax: 519-763-8933 - The Food Safety Network at the
University of Guelph provides research, commentary, policy
evaluation and public information on food safety issues from
farm-to-fork. Using electronic networks, extensive databases and
rigourous field research, the Food Safety Network works closely with
the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety as well as national
and international collaborators to put science into action -- to
develop and implement scientific and publicly credible policies and
programs to enhance the safety of the food supply.
Positive Human Health Effects of Wearing a Respirator in a Swine
Barn [100 KB pdf]. James A. Dosman
Antwifarms Project, PO. Box
597562 Chicago IL 60659, USA (Issue: Sept, 2000) - subjects
participated in a laboratory session (baseline day), a 4-h exposure
in a traditional swine room wearing the respirator (intervention
day), and a 4-hour exposure in a traditional swine room without a
respirator (non-intervention day). A N-95 disposable respirator can
help to significantly reduce acute negative health effects in
subjects not previously exposed to a swine barn environment. (study
conducted at Prairie Swine Ctr., Saskatoon, SK).
If you use manure in your garden, take precautions.
Oregon State Univ, Extension Service; some suggestions for
lowering your risk from soil-borne pathogens when using animal
manures in vegetable gardens.
Poultry Workers' Health Study.
Dr. J.A. Dosman,
Can. Ctr for
Health & Safety in Agric. (CCHSA) , U. of Saskatchewan; Received a
grant from the Medical Research Council of Canada to study the
effect of the indoor air environment on poultry workers' respiratory
health. The study involves measuring lung function and assessing
respiratory symptoms on a random group of poultry workers in
Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba, and comparing these with
symptoms and lung function in grain farmers who do not have poultry,
and to rural-dwelling non-farmers. The second component of the study
involves environmental measurements in a sample of poultry barns and
relating these measurements to the changes in the poultry workers'
respiratory symptoms and lung function.
Medical
Evaluation and Risk Assessment: Industrial Swine Operation and
Community Health Effects - (Oct. 27, 2003) - Eastern Ontario
Health Unit - Concentrated animal feeding operations are responsible
for numerous health complaints from community neighbours. There have
been few health studies to evaluate the physical, mental and quality
of life of those residents, but the few studies completed so far
have demonstrated a negative impact on the physical, mental and
social health of the population affected.
Managing farm manures for food safety.
Inst. of Food Research,
Norwich Res., Colney, Norwich NR4 7UA, UK; Tel: +44(0)1603 255000;
Fax: +44(0)1603 507723; Email:
ifr.communications@bbsrc.ac.uk - Response to Food Standards
Agency's draft guidelines for growers to minimise the risks of
microbiological contamination of ready-to-eat crops [040714]
Manure as a Public Health Issue: What Accountability and
Directions for Livestock Agriculture? (June 2000) [pdf]. A
Special Report of the George Morris Centre. Al Mussell, Larry
Martin. The contamination of the municipal water supply in
Walkerton, Ontario with E. coli and the resulting human tragedy
shocked the public. While we may never know the source of the
contamination, an anxious public is looking for answers and
livestock agriculture is a leading suspect.
Beware of Manure Pit Hazards (2002).
William McLeod,
Howard J. Doss, Howard L. Person.
Michigan State U. The four main gases produced from
decomposing manure are hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and
carbon dioxide. In high concentrations, each of these gases may
pose a health threat to humans and livestock.
Manure Storage Entering Procedures (2002). Robert Aherin
and Lee Christianson, University of Illinois,
Dept of
Agric. & Biol. Eng.;
Agriculture Safety &
Health. Recognize that conditions are of greatest risk when
manure is agitated or moved. Movement and agitation increase the
release of dangerous gases, sometimes several fold. When
agitating, pumping, or moving manure, take precautions to be
sure that extra ventilation is provided to nearby areas (e.g.,
buildings over or near the manure storage).
Manure Pit Accidents (2002)
Iowa State
University Extension. It's a scenario every livestock
operator with a manure pit fears. However, everyone in a farming
operation must know what to do if someone is found unconscious
in a manure pit. Multiple deaths are common in manure pit
incidents. People often attempt rescues without proper equipment
and become victims, too.
Asphyxiation Hazards in Silos, Grain Bins and Manure Pits
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Washington State Dept of Labor & Industries - series of FAQs
Hazardous Gases. L. Brunet, OMAFRA; Agdex#: 721;
Publication Date: 02/99; Order#: 99-001; Last Reviewed: 02/99;
Hydrogen Sulphide, Methane, Ammonia, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen
Dioxide, Safe Gas Levels, Management Suggestions: Manure
Storages, Management Suggestions: Silos; Hazardous gases on
farms are found in silos, manure storages, grain bins, and
barns. These structures provide a confined space in which
certain gases may accumulate to dangerous levels.
Transient Nature of Hazardous Conditions in Swine Barns Due to
Manure Gases During Slurry Mixing (1992) [1949 KB
pdf].
OMAFRA; Ontario Pork Industry Improvement Plan - Dr. N.K.
Patni, Centre for Food and Animal Research, Agriculture Canada -
includes summary of research results and subsequent
recommendations.
Safety in Swine Production Systems (1996). James Barker &
Frank Humenik North Carolina State U., Stanley Curtis & Ordie
Hogsett, U. of Illinois; Published by: North Carolina Coop Ext
Service #PIH-104, Mar. 1996. The potential danger of stored
manure gases must be respected. Livestock have died as a result
of ventilation failures or stored manure agitation. Human
fatalities have occurred from entering a manure collection or
storage pit without insuring adequate ventilation or without
being equipped with proper breathing apparatus. In addition,
manure storage pits or tanks and lagoons, like any water
impoundment, should be respected for the drowning potential.
Hydrogen Sulfide Production from Stored Liquid Swine Manure: A
Laboratory Study (2000); J. Arogo, Dept
of Biol. & Agric. Engineering, North Carolina State U.,
Raleigh, NC; R.H. Zhang, G.L. Riskowski, D.L. Day - Trans. of
the ASAE 43(5): 1241-1245 - The production of hydrogen sulfide
from stored liquid swine manure as influenced by the manure
settling characteristics and the initial sulfate concentration
was studied in the laboratory; sulfide production rate was
highest for all three manure layers during the first 5-10 days
of storage.
Hydrogen Sulphide Emissions and Safety (Agdex 086-2;
Mar. 2004). Alberta
Agriculture and Rural Development; Producers need to
be aware and informed of the dangers of being exposed to
hydrogen sulphide for long periods. Use all necessary measures
to protect yourself against exposure, and seek medical help if
you experience any symptoms or illness related to exposure to
noxious gases.
Methane Safety (2004).
Alberta Agriculture, & Rural Development. Methane (CH4)
is a major greenhouse gas. It is produced during anaerobic
decomposition of manure and accumulates around manure storage
areas. Methane emissions from manure depend on the way manure is
managed (liquid manure systems produce more methane than solid
manure systems) and environmental factors such as temperature
and moisture (warmer temperatures and moist conditions will
produce greater amounts of methane).
The
Effect Of Farm Liquid Waste Application On Receiving
Water Quality: Final Report (1991) [4082 KB
pdf] D. Dean, M.E. Foran, Ausable Bayfield
Conservation Authority. 12 manure spreading events were
monitored in 1989 and 1990 in order to further
understand how soil properties, soil type, and rate of
manure application effect tile drain water quality.
Subsurface tile drains became contaminated shortly
following manure application for 9 of 12 manure
spreading events monitored. It appears as though flow in
the tile drains is required for contamination to occur
at the time of manure application.
Sources and
Mechanisms of Delivery of E.coli (bacteria) Pollution to the
Lake Huron Shoreline of Huron County (2005) [5859 KB pdf].
Ont. Min. of Environ. In 2004, the Lake Huron Sci. Committee
(LHSC) was initiated by MOE, in consultation with the OMAF and
Environment Canada, in response to public concerns over
bacterial (E. coli) pollution along the southeast shoreline of
Lake Huron.
Cryptosporidium: Could It Be In Your Water? (Apr.
2004). Ron Fleming, Ridgetown College, University of Guelph,
(From Proceedings of Swine Production and the Environment
Seminar, "Living With Your Neighbours", March 26, 1997,
Shakespeare, Ontario) - Part A - A Soil Macro-what? - You have
heard by now of soil macropores - those cracks, openings,
continuous pores in the soil that help aerate and drain the
soil. Part B - Cryptosporidium and Pigs - Cryptosporidium
(crip-toe-spor-ID-ee-um) is a protozoan, a single-celled
parasite, that lives in the intestines of animals and people.
This microscopic pathogen causes a disease called
cryptosporidiosis. The dormant (inactive) form of
Cryptosporidium, called an oocyst (O-o-sist), is excreted in the
feces.
Overland and Near-Surface Transport of Cryptosporidium
parvum from Vegetated and Nonvegetated Surfaces (2004).
J.R. Traska, Prasanta K. Kalitaa,
M.S. Kuhlenschmidtb, R.D. Smithb& T.L.
Funka - a Dept of Agric. & Biol.
Eng.,U. of Illinois, 1304 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana,
IL 61801; b Dept of Vet. Pathobiology, U. of
Illinois, 2001 South Lincoln, Urbana, IL 61802. J. Env. Qual 33: 984-993
- Effects of land slopes, vegetation, and
rainfall intensities on oocyst transport were examined using
a tilting soil chamber with two compartments, one with bare
ground and the other with brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.)
vegetation . The vegetative surface was very effective in
reducing C. parvum in surface runoff; results indicate that
the VFS can be a best management practice for controlling C.
parvum in runoff from animal production facilities.
Survival of Pathogenic Bacteria in Liquid Manure Storages
[73 KB pdf] (December, 2004). Final Report Project 03/14
for Ontario Pork;
Ron Fleming, & Malcolm MacAlpine, Ridgetown Coll., U. of
Guelph. A study set out to measure die-off rates of bacteria in
liquid manure storages on swine farms and to establish which
criteria, if any, have the biggest impact on these die-off rates.
Pathogen Survival in Swine Manure Environments and Transmission
of Human Enteric Illness: A Review (2003) [99 KB pdf] -
Tat Yee Guan and Richard A. Holley, Dept of Food Science, U. of
Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2. J. Environ. Qual. 32:383–392
(2003) - Generally, pathogens survived longer in environmental
samples at cool temperatures but differences were seen in liquid
and solid manure. Based on actual data plus some data
extrapolated from cattle manure environments, holding manure at
25°C for 90 d will render it free from the pathogens considered
(Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Campylobacter,
Yersinia, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia).
Movement of Coliform Bacteria and Nutrients in Ground Water
Flowing through Basalt and Sand Aquifers (2001).
James A. Entry,
and Neal Farmer, J. of Environ. Qual. 30:1533-1539.
Full
Text [316 KB pdf] - Large-scale deposition of animal
manure can result in contamination of surface and ground water
and in potential transfer of disease-causing enteric bacteria to
animals or humans. We measured total coliform bacteria (TC),
fecal coliform bacteria (FC), NO3, NH4, total P, and PO4 in
ground water flowing from basalt and sand aquifers, in wells
into basalt and sand aquifers, in irrigation water, and in river
water.
The Walkerton Commission of Inquiry.
Public inquiry into
the May 2000 E. coli contamination of the water supply in Walkerton, Ontario
-
Part One of the Walkerton Commission of Inquiry
-
Part Two of the Walkerton Commission of Inquiry
The
Management of Manure in Ontario with Respect to Water
Quality. [2981 KB pdf] (Mar. 6, 2001). M.J. Goss,
K.S. Rollins, K. McEwan, J.R. Shaw, H. Lammers-Helps, U. of
Guelph. This draft paper has been prepared as a background
document for the Walkerton Inquiry. It is intended to
generate and inform discussion about the safety of drinking
water among parties with standing, relevant experts, and the
public.
Cryptosporidium/Coccidial Research
(13 Jan., 2000). Division of Biology,
Kansas State U.; Basic biology and life-cycle of
Cryptosporidium; Bibliography on Cryptosporidium (29 topics!);
Commercial sources of Cryptosporidium reagents; Cryptosporidium parvum host species checklist;
Give a gift for Cryptosporidium research; Links on Cryptosporidium and other parasitological
topics; Measurements of viable oocysts; Potential therapies for
cryptosporidiosis in humans; Provide a grant for Cryptosporidium
research; Research on Cryptosporidium at Kansas State
University; Taxonomic chronology of Cryptosporidium spp.;
Waterborne/foodborne outbreaks.
The Effect of Diet on E. coli 0157:H7 in Cattle (Nov., 2000). Rena Orr.
International Food Safety Network (iFSN) Since September
1998, there has been conflicting information on the effect of
diet on E. coli shedding from cattle. The conflict arises in
part from the effect of diet on the ability of E. coli to
develop acid resistance.
Extent and Magnitude of Agricultural Sources of Cryptosporidium
in Surface Water [110 KB PDF] (1999) - Ron Fleming,
Doug Hocking, Heather Fraser, and David Alves.
Ridgetown College, U.
of Guelph. In 1998, a study was begun at Ridgetown College, U.
of Guelph, to investigate levels of Cryptosporidium in livestock
manure storages, tile drain water and surface water in southern
Ontario. Objectives: 1) To assess the viability of
Cryptosporidium in liquid wine manure storages. 2) To determine
the potential for a relationship between Cryptosporidium
occurrence in storages and tile drains. 3) To quantify
contributions from various sources in different watersheds,
and; 4) To investigate the relationship between the occurrence
of Crytosporidium and other water quality (and manure)
indicators such as Giardia, E. coli and turbidity.
Cryptosporidium in
Livestock, Manure Storages, and Surface Waters in Ontario
(Sept. 1997)
(184 KB pdf). Ron Fleming, Jennifer McLellan, David Alves,
Don Hilborn, Katarina Pintar, Malcolm MacAlpine for the Ontario
Farm Environ. Coalition, Ont. Min. Agric. Food & Rural Affairs
and Agric. & Agri-Food Canada.
Cryptosporidium (krip-toe-spor-id-ee-um) spp. is a
protozoan parasite that reproduces in vertebrates. It is most
commonly known as a cause of gastroenteritis in people and can
cause relatively large outbreaks of human illness. In the past,
agricultural sources have been implicated as a contributing
factor in major outbreaks of the disease. This study was
initiated in light of the scarcity of information about levels
of Cryptosporidium in manure storages and tile drainage
water, and in an attempt to put together information and
recommendations for farmers.
A Study
to Identify the Seasonal Variations in Well-Water Contamination
and Survey Farm Family Health (1994)
[236 KB pdf]. M.J. Goss, D.A.J. Barry and J.B. Wilson,
Univ. of Guelph. The first stage of an
investigation into the seasonality in the quality of well water
on farms in Southern Ontario, and the health of farm families
drinking water contaminated with bacteria used as indicators of faecal contamination.
E. Coli
Reference Center,
Dept of Veterinary Science,
The Pennsylvania State University. The laboratory functions
as a reference center by accepting diagnostic cultures for
characterization from outside sources. Standard strains,
micro-screening sera, and testing kits are available to
diagnostic laboratories and research institutions in the USA and
Canada for a nominal fee.
Escherichia coli -
Virtual Museum of
Bacteria - various good links on the subject.
Escherichia coli O157:H7.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National
Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Bacterial and
Mycotic Diseases, Department of Health and Human Services - USA;
Public Inquiries; (404) 639-3534; (800) 311-3435; 1600 Clifton
Rd., Atlanta, GA 30333 U.S.A; (404) 639-3311; Frequently Asked
Questions - What is Escherichia coli O157:H7?; How is E. coli
O157:H7 spread?; What illness does E.coli O157:H7 cause?; How is
E. coli O157:H7 infection diagnosed?; How is the illness
treated?; What are the long term consequences of infection?;
What can be done to prevent the infection?; What can you do to
prevent E. coli O157:H7 infection?
Ultraviolet Disinfection Systems,
Trojan Technologies Inc.,
3020 Gore Road, London, ON, Canada N5V 4T7; tel: 519-457-3400;
fax: 519-457-3030 - Ultraviolet light, at the germicidal
wavelength of 253.7 nanometers, alters the genetic (DNA)
material in cells so that bacteria, viruses, molds, algae and
other microorganisms can no longer reproduce. The microorganisms
are considered dead, and the risk of disease from them is
eliminated. As the water flows past the UV lamps in UV
disinfection systems, the microorganisms are exposed to a lethal
dose of UV energy. UV dose is measured as the product of UV
light intensity times the exposure time within the UV lamp
array. Microbiologists have determined the effective dose of UV
energy (expressed in microwatt- sec./cm2) needed to
destroy pathogens as well as indicator organisms found in
wastewater.
Escherichia coli information -
Public Health Agency of
Canada.
E. coli Source
Tracking by Rep-PCR DNA Fingerprinting.
Dept of Soil Water and
Climate, University of Minnesota, Room 439 BorH, 1991 Upper
Buford Circle, St Paul, MN 55108 - This Web site allows users
to identify the source(s) that contaminate their local
watersheds by DNA fingerprints generated using the polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) and whole E. coli cells.
Reducing Risks from
E.coli 0157 on the Organic Farm (111 KB pdf) David G.
Patriquin (Biology Department, Dalhousie University, Halifax,
N.S.) Canadian Organic Growers, Eco-Farm & Garden, Summer, 2000
- E. coli 0157 is a bacterial pathogen of the human intestinal
tract which is carried in certain species of livestock and
wildlife without ill-effect. Such organisms are termed
zoonotics. E.coli 0157 is particularly hazardous because of the
very low number of organisms that can cause infection and
because of serious complications that can result from infection,
especially in infants and the elderly.
E. coli O157:H7 Food Safety Facts (Factsheet).
International Food
Safety Network (iFSN).
E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhimurium DT104: the role of
animals.
UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. Cattle have been
implicated as the most important source of E. coli O157:H7.
Prevalence estimates vary, but it appears that although a
substantial percentage of both dairy herds and beef feedlots
have infected animals, the actual number of individual infected
animals at any one time is relatively low.
Food Safety &
Inspection Service, USDA. The Food Safety and Inspection
Service (FSIS) is the public health agency in the U.S.
Department of Agriculture responsible for ensuring that the
nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is
safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged.
Human and Animal Pathogens in Manure [52 KB pdf] Merle
E. Olson, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of
Calgary. Animal feces may contain pathogens infectious to both
humans and animals. As a result food animals are incriminated in
many waterborne and foodborne outbreaks. It is critical for
human health, animal health and agriculture sustainability
reasons that water and food supplies be protected from
contamination by animal feces.
Algae, Cyanobacteria and Water Quality. N. Scott,
PFRA,
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. Algae and cyanobacteria are tiny organisms
that occur naturally in saltwater and freshwater. Individual
organisms can often only be seen under a microscope, although
with some species, individuals can join together to form
colonies visible to the naked eye. It is important to understand
the similarities and differences between algae and cyanobacteria
as both groups can have distinct impacts on surface water
quality.
Tracing the Source of E. coli Fecal Contamination of Water Using
rep-PCR (MLMMI 00-02-08);
Full Report [85 KB pdf].
Techniques which could trace E. coli water contamination to its
source are needed. Genetic fingerprinting is one such technique.
We found that the fingerprints of the 91 E. coli strains were
quite different from each other. No groups of E. coli
fingerprints corresponded to a particular animal. It appears
that in Manitoba livestock and in the human population there is
a wide variety of E. coli genetic types.
Measurement of pathogen transfer in aerosols following land
application of manure [pdf]; Phil Hobbs, Dave Davies1,
Jon Williams and Helen Warren1Inst of Grassland and
Env. Res., North Wyke Res. Station, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2SB
1Inst. of Grassland and Env. Res., Plas Gogerddan,
Aberystwyth, SY23 3EB, UK - Aerosols containing pathogens can
travel significant distances; Desiccation is the most difficult
problem for microbial species to remain viable. At take-off as
either a dry or wet microbe, changes in water content will
inevitably follow.
Endocrine Disrupting Compounds
Estrogenic
Hormone Dissipation In Agricultural Soil (2001) [56 KB pdf
poster]. M. Colucci, and E. Topp, AAFC, London, ON; This
finding indicates that extractable estrogenic transformation
products did not accumulate. In summary, 17b-estradiol, estrone
and 17a-ethynylestradiol were readily biodegradable under a
range of conditions typical of a temperate growing environment.
Effect Of
Aeration On The Persistence Of 17beta-Estradiol In Livestock
Manure (2001) [154 KB pdf poster]. M. Colucci, and E.
Topp, AAFC, London, ON. In summary, on the basis of chemical
analyses and measurements with a bioassay, aeration promoted a
rapid decrease in 17b-estradiol concentrations and in total
estrogenic activity in liquid swine manure.
Rapid Mineralization of
The Endocrine Disrupting Chemical 4-Nonylphenol in Soil.
(2000) [763 KB pdf poster]. E. Topp and Alvin Starratt, AAFC,
London, ON. These results indicate that microorganisms which
can metabolize 4- nonylphenol are found in a wide variety of
soils including some obtained from the Canadian Arctic which
were presumably pristine with respect to anthropogenic exposure
to this chemical. We conclude that nonylphenol- degrading
microorganisms are probably naturally widespread in soils.
Identification,
Environmental Fate, And Mitigation Of Biological And Chemical
Contaminants Including Antibiotics, Hormones, Enteric Bacteria,
And Genes Encoding Bacterial Pathogenicity And Antibiotic
Resistance. (2000) [669 KB pdf poster]. E. Topp, Kam
Leung, Bonnie Ball-Coelho, and
George Lazarovits.
Development of tools for studying the fate of enteric bacteria,
and genes determining pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance;
Detection of antibiotic resistance in enteric and environmental
bacteria; Environmental persistence, movement, and impacts of
contaminants associated with swine manure; Effect of storage
conditions on bacterial and chemical contaminants in manure.
The role of animal behaviour in the study of
endocrine-disrupting chemicals.(2004)
Animal Behaviour: 68 (4), 665-676. The
purposes of this review are four-fold. First, we provide a
primer on EDCs. Second, we summarize current knowledge about
endocrine disruption of animal behaviour. Third, we describe the
role that we envision for behaviour in the field of
ecotoxicology. Finally, we hope to stimulate a dialogue between
animal behaviourists and ecotoxicologists that will enhance our
understanding of these environmental contaminants and their
impacts on animal populations. [2011-04-02]
Assessing the Risk and Extent of Endocrine Disruptors.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
One of the most disquieting discoveries in recent years concerns the possible
roles of environmental chemicals on endocrine systems. Endocrine
systems are present not only in humans but in "higher" animals
such as birds, fish, and mammals. Endocrine systems coordinate
and regulate many important body functions such as growth and
maturation, behaviour, reproduction and embryo development. They
do this by making and releasing hormones which act as "chemical
messengers." Certain tissues in the body have very specific
receptors for the hormones. By interacting with these receptors,
the hormones trigger responses.
Threats to Sources of Drinking Water and Aquatic Ecosystem
Health in Canada: Env. Canada.
5. Endocrine Disrupting Substances - There is growing
concern internationally about environmental risks posed by
endocrine disrupting substances (EDS). These chemicals include a
wide variety of environmental contaminants that can exert a
diverse array of effects on growth, development and reproduction
in biota.
Endocrine Disruption.
Biological Resources
Division,
Columbia Envir. Res. Center, U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS), 4200 New Haven
Road, Columbia, Missouri 65201; Tel: 573-875-5399, FAX:
573-876-1896. USGS Contaminant Biology Program investigates the
exposure and effects of contaminants on fish and wildlife and
focuses on Endocrine Disruption as a part of Toxicology
component of the research.
Natural and anthropogenic environmental oestrogens: the
scientific basis for risk assessment; Review of
suggested testing methods for endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
S. Jobling, Dept of Biology and Biochemistry, Brunel
Univ., Uxbridge Middlesex, UB83PH, UK. E-mail:
susan.jobling@brunel.ac.uk.
Full text [564 KB pdf] - Recent concern about the
possible impact of exposure to endocrine- disrupting chemicals
(EDCs) on humans and wildlife has led to a need for the
development of regulatory test methods to facilitate
identification of endocrine- disrupting substances and their
effects, both at the stage of product development, and when they
are present in the environment.
The implementation of the Community Strategy for Endocrine
Disrupters - a range of substances suspected of interfering
with the hormone systems of humans and wildlife - COM
(2001)262 - Commission to the Council and the
European Parliament - During
2000, a candidate list of 553 man-made substances and 9
synthetic/natural hormones has been identified. The candidate
list has been divided into three separate groupings of
substances depending on the level of information available, and
a priority list of actions has been developed in order to
further evaluate the role of these substances in endocrine
disruption.
Differentiating Management
of Water Resources and Waste in Urban Areas [1200 KB pdf].
Ralf Otterpohl, Andrea Albold and Martin Oldenburg, Otterpohl
Wasserkonzepte, Kanalstraße 52, D 23552 Lübeck, Germany. Tel:
+49-451-70 200-51, EM:
OTTERWASSER@T-online.de; New
integrated sanitation and waste management systems will mostly have
to respect different qualities of matter from human settlements:
Blackwater with biowaste, graywater, stormwater runoff and
non-biodegradable waste. Based on this distinction 9 differentiating
and 1 mixing systems with resources management are presented. Some
of them require careful examination in selected pilot projects.
.
Controlling Ammonia Gas In Swine Buildings
[157 KB pdf].
Al Heber, Don Jones, Al Sutton - Agricultural
and Biological Engineering, Purdue University Cooperative Extension
Service - Ammonia is the most important gas healthwise found in
swine buildings on a day-to-day basis because it can occur at levels
high enough to be an irritant to the respiratory system. The
recommended maximum gas concentrations suggested by OSHA (25 ppm)
are much higher than those suggested by agricultural scientists in
Europe (10 ppm).
Organic Waste (Including Animal Manures) Re-Use in Urban
Agriculture
Organic Waste Reuse for Urban Agriculture - Sustainable
management of solid waste is a major challenge being faced by
municipal authorities across the world, both in the North and the
South. In developing countries, urban waste remains a serious
problem that causes contamination of soil and water bodies and
endangers human health and the environment. Much of the solid waste
consists of organic matter that can be recycled into a profitable
input (compost) for urban agriculture.
Bruce T. Bowman, Archivist
Last Updated:
Sunday, November 13, 2011 07:48:12 AM
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