Intensive poultry farming: A review of the impact on the environment and human health
G. Gržinić, Agnieszka I. Piotrowicz-Cieślak, Agnieszka Klimkowicz‐Pawlas, Rafał L. Górny, Anna Ławniczek-Wałczyk, Lidia Piechowicz, Ewa Olkowska, Marta Potrykus, Maciej Tankiewicz, Magdalena Krupka‐Olek, Grzegorz Siebielec, Lidia Wolska
Abstract
emissions, and have an impact on global greenhouse gas emissions, as well as animal and human health. Litter and manure can contain pesticide residues, microorganisms, pathogens, pharmaceuticals (antibiotics), hormones, metals, macronutrients (at improper ratios) and other pollutants which can lead to air, soil and water contamination as well as formation of antimicrobial/multidrug resistant strains of pathogens. Dust emitted from intensive poultry production operations contains feather and skin fragments, faeces, feed particles, microorganisms and other pollutants, which can adversely impact poultry health as well as the health of farm workers and nearby inhabitants. Fastidious odours are another problem that can have an adverse impact on health and quality of life of workers and surrounding population. This study discusses the current knowledge on the impact of intensive poultry farming on environmental and human health, as well as taking a look at solutions for a sustainable future.