Subject: Environmental Health Impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations: Anticipating Hazards Searching for Solutions
Date: November 19, 2006 at 1:48 pm PST
National Institutes of Health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH
PERSPECTIVES
ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH
PERSPECTIVES
ehponline.org
Environmental Health Impacts of
Concentrated Animal
Feeding Operations: Anticipating Hazards –
Searching for Solutions
Peter S. Thorne
doi:10.1289/ehp.8831 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
1
Environmental Health Impacts of Concentrated Animal
Feeding Operations: Anticipating Hazards – Searching for
Solutions
Report of a Scientific Workshop
Peter S. Thorne
Send page proofs to: Peter S. Thorne, PhD, Professor, College of Public Health, The
University of Iowa, 100 Oakdale Campus, IREH, Iowa City, IA 52242-5000.
TEL: (319) 335-4216. FAX: (319) 335-4225. Email: [email protected]
2
Running Title: Environmental Health Impacts of CAFOs
Key Words: air quality, animal confinements, antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial growth
promotants, avian influenza, bioaerosols, livestock, poultry, swine, water quality
Commonly used abbreviations in this report:
CAFO: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation
EHSRC: Environmental Health Sciences Research Center at the University of Iowa
PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
U.S. EPA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Acknowledgments:
This conference was supported by the Environmental Health Sciences Research Center
at the University of Iowa and NIEHS P30 ES05605-S1. The authors thank Susan
Kaliszewski, Robin Ungar, Jenn Cook and Laura McCormick for handling the numerous
arrangements for the conference and Nancy Newkirk for organization and editing of
these workgroup reports.
3
Manuscript Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Summary of Workshop Recommendations
References
4
Abstract
A scientific conference and workshop was held in March 2004 that brought together
environmental scientists from North America and Europe to address major environmental
health issues associated with concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), which are
large, industrialized livestock production facilities. After one and a half days of plenary
sessions, five expert workgroups convened to consider the most relevant research areas
including: respiratory health effects; modeling and monitoring of air toxics; water quality
issues; influenza pandemics and antibiotic resistance; and community health and
socioeconomic issues. The Workgroup Reports that follow outline the state of the science
and public health concerns relating to livestock production as they apply to each workgroup
topic. The reports also identify areas where further research is needed and suggest
opportunities to translate science to policy initiatives that would effect improvements in
public and environmental health. Viable solutions to some of the current environmental
health problems associated with CAFOs are outlined. In addition, these reports bring to light
several major concerns, including air and water contamination, the rise of antibiotic-resistant
bacteria in livestock and the specter of influenza outbreaks arising from siting industrialized
poultry and swine production in close proximity to each other and to humans.
5
Introduction
Dramatic changes in livestock production have occurred over the past two decades. The
trend in swine, poultry, and cattle operations has been toward fewer, but increasingly larger
operations. Traditional crop-livestock farms were balanced in that livestock manure supplied
nutrients to grow the crops to feed those livestock. Farmers raised the quantity of livestock
their croplands could support. Industrialized livestock production requires drawing feed from
a wide area, often far away, while manure is distributed to a small, local landmass resulting
in soil accumulation and runoff of phosphorus, nitrogen and other pollutants (Iowa State
University and University of Iowa Study Group 2002). The consolidation of the livestock
industry has been observed throughout North America and Europe and has led to calls for
increased regulation to reduce and control the wastes. The State of Iowa, which produces
one-fourth of the U.S. pork, exemplifies this trend. The number of farms in Iowa raising hogs
decreased from 64,000 in 1980 to 10,500 in 2000 – an 84% decrease – while the average
number of hogs per farm increased from 250 to 1,430 over this same period (Otto and
Lawrence 2000). Farms with over 500 hogs now account for 65% of the statewide inventory
and 75% of the U.S. inventory.
The results of the increasing intensity of livestock operations have been regionally levels of
air contaminants and increased problems with contamination of surface waters with animal
waste. Management practices such as feeding animals with antimicrobial growth promotants
and housing poultry and swine in close proximity are additional concerns. Community and
neighbor fears of potential adverse human health effects have increased, leading to the
formation of citizen action groups in many locales. These groups have lobbied government
officials at the local and regional levels to promulgate and enforce regulations to reduce
environmental impacts and health hazards from nearby CAFOs. A Town Meeting
sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the University of
6
Iowa, Environmental Health Sciences Research Center (EHSRC) was held in Des Moines,
Iowa in 2001 to bring stakeholders together to seek common ground. This Town Meeting
gave producers, concerned citizens and regulators the opportunity to air the issues. Many
areas of discord were identified and a need for better translation of science to policy was
recognized.
Findings from the 2001 Town Meeting prompted the EHSRC to organize this scientific
conference and workshop held in Iowa City, Iowa which brought together experts in
environmental science from the U.S., Canada, Sweden, Denmark and The Netherlands to
address major environmental health issues associated with CAFOs. The conference
audience was comprised of scientists, agriculturalists, producer group representatives,
environmental and community activists, government officials and rural residents. Five
workgroups of scientists convened to further consider the major topics and identify the state
of the science. Their reports follow. These reports outline the scientific issues and public
health concerns relating to livestock production as it applies to each workgroup topic and
identify areas where further research is needed. They also suggest opportunities to translate
science to policy initiatives that would advance public and environmental health.
Summary of Workshop Recommendations
The Workgroup on Health Effects of Airborne Exposures from CAFOs found that there
is a lack of data on the health effects of odors and complex mixtures emanating from
CAFOs (Heederik et al. 2006). They also identified a need for research on susceptibility
of people for ill health from CAFO exposures based on age, gender or genetic makeup.
This workgroup expressed the view that international harmonization is needed for
analytical methods for exposure assessment of biological agents such as bacterial
7
endotoxin, fungal glucan, and other pathogen-associated molecular patterns.
Additionally, they noted that recent advances have identified less invasive approaches
for collection of body fluids from which more sensitive biomarkers of response can be
measured. They recommended that panel studies be performed among susceptible
populations exposed to CAFO emissions, as this approach would be most effective for
determining responsible agents and disease mechanisms. In terms of science
translation to policy, they recommended that best practices for occupational hygiene be
promoted for the livestock industry and that exposure standards for organic dust,
biological agents and toxic gases should be promulgated and enforced across the
industry.
The Workgroup on Modeling and Monitoring of Emissions from CAFOs noted that the
downstream concentrations of airborne effluents from CAFOs are not well understood
(Bunton et al. 2006). They recommended establishment of monitoring networks for
hydrogen sulfide and ammonia using many low-cost passive monitors and a lesser
number of expensive realtime monitors. Some monitors should be located in relatively
pristine areas away from livestock operations to characterize background levels in rural
areas. There is a further need for particulate monitoring accompanied by analysis of
adsorbed malodorous vapors and gases, since these appear to travel up to a kilometer
from the source. This Workgroup found that additional studies should be conducted
seeking to identify links between specific agents ascribed to CAFO emissions and
health outcomes in the rural community. In terms of modeling fate and transport from
livestock operations, the Workgroup found that additional data are needed on emission
8
rates from manure storage tanks or lagoons, land-applied manure, and livestock
buildings that are tied to animal inventories and management practices . The
Workgroup determined that modeling has advanced as a science and should be better
utilized for decisions on permitting, siting and waste management of CAFOs. Further
refinements should include models that account for chemical transformation of effluents
and models that provide long-term concentration distributions at a regional level.
The Workgroup on Impacts of CAFOs on Water Quality listed several priority research
areas including monitoring of whole watersheds in order to understand the effects of
extreme events on ecosystem health, toxicologic assessment of water contaminants
from CAFOs, and studies of primary effluents and metabolites in soils, sediments and
water (Burkholder et al. 2006). This Workgroup recommended surveillance programs for
rural private well water in areas at high risk for contamination. They suggested that
effective waste and wastewater treatment practices known for managing human wastes,
augmented with emerging technologies, should be translated into practice to prevent
consumption of emerging contaminants, such as veterinary pharmaceuticals (including
antibiotics and anabolic hormones). The Workgroup identified a need for
implementation of best management practices through education and regulation to
reduce release of CAFO contaminants into surface waters and aquifers.
The Workgroup on The Potential Role of CAFOs in Infectious Disease Epidemics and
Antibiotic Resistance raised concerns about the practice of co-locating swine and
poultry facilities and the specter of a global pandemic arising from new strains of avian
9
influenza incubated in swine and transmitted to humans (Gilchrist et al. 2006). They
recommended that minimum separation distances should be established and that
animals should not be fed tissues, fecal matter, or contaminated water from other
animals. This Workgroup stated that solid tanks for storage of manure and municipal
style waste treatment are necessary to limit microbial contamination of soil and water,
prevent access to waterfowl and limit the spread of disease. The Workgroup strongly
endorsed phasing out the use of antimicrobial agents as growth promotants in the U.S.,
as is happening in the European Union and was called for by the World Health
Organization and dozens of scientific and medical organizations. One complication is a
difference between the U.S. and the European Union animal industries’ interpretation of the
terms, “growth promoter” and “therapeutic use.” In the U.S., some routine, non-therapeutic uses
of antibiotics are not considered to be growth promotion, while in the European Union, they are
defined as such. At the time Denmark phased out antibiotic use for animal growth promotion, all
remaining antibiotic uses with animals were administered by prescription only. This phase-out
resulted in an overall drop in antibiotic use of about 54%. On the other hand, the U.S.-based
Animal Health Institute has in the past stated that only about 10% of antibiotic use in U.S.
animal production is for "growth promotion," and that 90% is for "therapeutic use," and almost all
U.S. antibiotics used in animal production are available over-the-counter. This differentiation is
important, as a phase-out of antibiotics used for “growth promotion” as defined in the U.S. would
likely result in a much smaller reduction (10%) than the phase-out of “growth promotion” in
Denmark (54%), given that Denmark’s numbers include some antibiotics administered routinely
for disease prevention or therapy. The Workgroup identified a need to establish national
surveillance programs to track the transmission of antimicrobial resistant organisms
from livestock to humans and to identify ecological reservoirs and impacts.
10
Fingerprinting of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a necessary component and will allow
characterization of changes in resistance profiles over time.
The Workgroup on Community Health and Socioeconomic Issues Surrounding CAFOs
considered the impacts of industrialization of livestock production on rural communities
in terms of economics, social capital and quality of life (Donham et al. 2006). They
recommended comprehensive community health studies comparing physical, mental
and social health outcomes, and economic conditions in comparable communities with
and without large livestock operations. This Workgroup noted that much of the research
funding for agriculture is directed toward non-sustainable production and recommended
that funds be reoriented to sustainable systems. The Workgroup concurred that there is
sufficient information on the hazards of CAFOs to communities that a more measured
approach to siting and permitting of facilities and waste management is needed and that
permits should consider watershed level animal density and dispersion of airshed
emissions. Permitting decisions should also include greater involvement of communities
through public hearings and open meetings. The Workgroup suggested that permits for
manure storage reservoirs should require bonding in order to ensure that spills will be
cleaned up and manure lagoons will be decommissioned rather than abandoned,
should the producer become insolvent.
There was general agreement among all workgroups that the industrialization of
livestock production over the past three decades has not been accompanied by
commensurate modernization of regulations to protect the health of the public, or
11
natural, public-trust resources, particularly in the U.S. While the European Union has
made greater strides, there is room for further improvements in the control of air and
water pollutants from CAFOs in Europe as well as the U.S. Expansion of large CAFOs
into Central and Eastern Europe and South America is occurring without attention to
lessons learned from health and environmental problems in the U.S. and Western
Europe. Major concerns exist over the role of intensive livestock production in influenza
outbreaks and the emergence of antibiotic resistant organisms. Recent attention to
these risks among the scientific community, the public and governments is encouraging.
References
Iowa State University and the University of Iowa Study Group. 2002. Iowa Concentrated
Animal Feeding Operations Air Quality Study, University of Iowa, pp. 1-221. Available:
http://www.ehsrc.org [accessed 10 October 2005]
Otto D, Lawrence J. 2000. The Iowa Pork Industry 2000: Trends and Economic
Importance, ISU Economics Working Paper. Available:
http://www.econ.iastate.edu/outreach [accessed 10 October 2005]
Heederik D, Sigsgaard T, Thorne PS, Kline JN, Avery R, Chrischilles EA, et al. 2006.
Health Effects of Airborne Exposures from CAFOs, Environ Health Perspect, this issue .
12
Bunton B, O’Shaughnessy P, Fitzsimmons S, Gering J Hoff S, Lyngbye M, et al. 2006.
Modeling and Monitoring of Emissions from CAFOs, Environ Health Perspect, this
issue.
Burkholder J, Libra B, Weyer P, Heathcote S, Kolpin D, Thorne PS, et al. 2006. Impacts
of CAFOs on Water Quality, Environ Health Perspect, this issue.
Gilchrist M, Greko C, Thorne PS, Wallinga D, Riley D, Beran G. 2006. The Potential
Role of CAFOs in Infectious Disease Epidemics and Antibiotic Resistance, Environ
Health Perspect, this issue
.
Donham K, Wing S, Osterberg D, Flora J, Hodne C, Lewis L, et al. 2006. Community
Health and Socioeconomic Issues Surrounding CAFOs, Environ Health Perspect, this
issue,.
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8831/8831.pdf
Health Effects of Airborne Exposures from
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
Dick Heederik, Torben Sigsgaard, Peter S. Thorne, Joel N.
Kline, Rachel Avery, Jacob Bønløkke, Elizabeth A.
Chrischilles, James A. Dosman, Caroline Duchaine, Steven
R. Kirkhorn, Katarina Kulhankova and James A. Merchant
doi:10.1289/ehp.8835 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
Health Effects of Airborne Exposures from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
Workgroup Report: “Environmental Health Impacts of CAFOs: Anticipating Hazards –
Searching for Solutions.” March 29-31, 2004, Iowa City, Iowa
Members
Dick Heederik, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Co-Chair)
Torben Sigsgaard, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark (Co-Chair)
Peter S. Thorne, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Joel N. Kline, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Rachel Avery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
Jacob Bønløkke, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
Elizabeth A. Chrischilles, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
James A. Dosman, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Caroline Duchaine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Steven R. Kirkhorn, National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield, WI, USA
Katarina Kulhankova, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
James A. Merchant, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa,
Abstract
Toxic gases, vapors and particles are emitted from Concentrated Animal Feeding
Operations (CAFOs) into the general environment. These include ammonia, hydrogen
sulfide, carbon dioxide, malodorous vapors and particles contaminated with a wide range of
microorganisms. Little is known about the health risks of exposure to these agents for people
living in the surrounding areas. Malodor is one of the predominant concenrs and indications
exist that psycho-physiological changes may occur as a result of exposure to malodorous
compounds. There is a paucity of data regarding community health effects related to low
level gas and particulate emissions. Most information comes from studies among workers in
these installations. Research over the last decades has shown that microbial exposures, and
especially endotoxin exposure, are related to deleterious respiratory health effects, of which
cross-shift lung function decline, and accelerated decline over time are the most pronounced
effects. Studies in naïve subjects and workers have shown respiratory inflammatory
responses related to the microbial load. The working group concluded that there is a great
need to evaluate health effects due to exposures that originate from CAFOs and are emitted
into the general environment. Research should not only focus on nuisance and odors but
also on potential health effects from microbial exposures focusing on susceptible subgroups,
especially asthmatic children and the elderly, since these exposures have been shown to be
related to respiratory health effects among workers in CAFOs.
FULL TEXT 26 PAGES ;
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8835/8835.pdf
Community Health and Socioeconomic Issues
Surrounding CAFOs
Kelley J. Donham, Steven Wing, David Osterberg, Jan L.
Flora, Carol Hodne, Kendall M. Thu and Peter S. Thorne
doi:10.1289/ehp.8836 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
Abstract
A consensus of the Workgroup on Community and Socioeconomic Issues was that “Improving
and sustaining healthy rural communities depends on integrating socioeconomic development
and environmental protection.” The workgroup agreed that the World Health Organization’s
definition of health, “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity,” applies to rural communities. These principles are
embodied in the following main points agreed upon by this workgroup. Healthy rural
communities ensure: a) the physical and mental health of individuals; b) financial security for
individuals and the greater community; c) social well being; d) social and environmental justice,
and; e) political equity and access. This workgroup evaluated impacts of the proliferation of
CAFOs on sustaining the health of rural communities. Recommended policy changes include a
more stringent permitting process for CAFOs, considering bonding for manure storage basins,
limitations on animal density per watershed, enhanced local control, and mandated
environmental impact statements.
FULL TEXT 25 PAGES ;
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8836/8836.pdf
The Potential Role of CAFOs in Infectious
Disease Epidemics and Antibiotic Resistance
Mary J. Gilchrist, Christina Greko, David B. Wallinga,
George W. Beran, David G. Riley and Peter S. Thorne
doi:10.1289/ehp.8837 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
Abstract
The industrialization of livestock production and the widespread use of non-therapeutic
antimicrobial growth promotants has intensified the risk for the emergence of new, more
virulent, or more resistant microorganisms. These have reduced the effectiveness of several
classes of antibiotics for treating infections in humans and livestock. Recent outbreaks of
virulent strains of influenza have arisen from swine and poultry raised in close proximity. This
Working Group considered the state of the science around these issues and concurred with the
World Health Organization call for a phasing-out of the use of antimicrobial growth promotants
for livestock and fish production. We also agree that all therapeutic antimicrobial agents should
be available by prescription only for both human and veterinary use. Concern about the risk of
an influenza pandemic leads us to recommend that regulations be promulgated to restrict the
co-location of swine and poultry CAFOs on the same site and to set appropriate separation
distances.
FULL TEXT 21 PAGES ;
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8837/8837.pdf
Monitoring and Modeling of Emissions from
CAFOs: Overview of Methods
Bryan Bunton, Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Sean Fitzsimmons,
John Gering, Stephen Hoff, Merete Lyngbye, Peter S.
Thorne, Jeffrey Wasson and Mark Werner
doi:10.1289/ehp.8838 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
Abstract
This workgroup report is the outgrowth of a conference entitled, “Environmental Health Impacts
of CAFOs: Anticipating Hazards – Searching for Solutions,” held March 29-31, 2004 in Iowa
City, Iowa.
Accurate monitors are required to determine ambient concentration levels of contaminants
emanating from Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), and accurate models are
required to indicate the spatial variability of concentrations over regions affected by CAFOs. A
thorough understanding of the spatial and temporal variability of concentration levels could then
be associated with locations of healthy individuals or subjects with respiratory ailments to
statistically link the presence of CAFOs to the prevalence of ill health effects in local
populations. This workgroup report covers a description of the instrumentation currently
available for assessing contaminant concentration levels in the vicinity of CAFOs and reviews
plume dispersion models that may be utilized to estimate concentration levels spatially.
Recommendations for further research with respect to ambient air monitoring include accurately
determining long-term average concentrations for a region under the influence of CAFO
emissions using a combination of instruments based on accuracy, cost, and sampling duration.
In addition, development of instruments capable of accurately quantifying adsorbed gases and
volatile organic compounds is needed. Further research with respect to plume dispersion
models includes identifying and validating the most applicable model for use in predicting
downwind concentrations from CAFOs. Additional data are needed to obtain reliable emission
rates from CAFOs.
FULL TEXT 28 PAGES;
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8838/8838.pdf
Impacts of Waste from Concentrated Animal
Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on Water Quality
JoAnn Burkholder, Bob Libra, Peter Weyer, Susan
Heathcote, Dana Kolpin, Peter S. Thorne and
Michael Wichman
doi:10.1289/ehp.8839 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
Abstract
Waste from agricultural livestock operations has been a long-standing concern with respect to
contamination of water resources, particularly in terms of nutrient pollution. However, the recent
growth of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) presents a greater risk to water
quality due to both the increased volume of waste and to contaminants that may be present
(e.g. antibiotics and other veterinary drugs) that may have both environmental and public health
importance. Based on available data, generally accepted livestock waste management practices
do not adequately or effectively protect water resources from contamination with excessive
nutrients, microbial pathogens, and pharmaceuticals present in the waste. Impacts on surface
water sources and wildlife have been documented in many agricultural areas in the United
States. Potential impacts on human and environmental health from long-term inadvertent
exposure to water contaminated with pharmaceuticals and other compounds are a growing
public concern. The workgroup identified needs for rigorous ecosystem monitoring in the
vicinity of CAFOs, and for improved characterization of major toxicants affecting the
environment and human health. Lastly, there is a need to promote and enforce best practices
to minimize inputs of nutrients and toxicants from CAFOs into freshwater and marine
ecosystems.
FULL TEXT 30 PAGES;
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8839/8839.pdf
J Gen Virol 87 (2006), 3737-3740; DOI 10.1099/vir.0.82011-0
Infectious agent of sheep scrapie may persist in the environment for at least 16 years
Gudmundur Georgsson1, Sigurdur Sigurdarson2 and Paul Brown3
1 Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur v/vesturlandsveg, IS-112 Reykjavík, Iceland
2 Laboratory of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Keldur, Iceland
3 Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Correspondence
Gudmundur Georgsson
[email protected]
In 1978, a rigorous programme was implemented to stop the spread of, and subsequently eradicate, sheep scrapie in Iceland. Affected flocks were culled, premises were disinfected and, after 2?3 years, restocked with lambs from scrapie-free areas. Between 1978 and 2004, scrapie recurred on 33 farms. Nine of these recurrences occurred 14?21 years after culling, apparently as the result of environmental contamination, but outside entry could not always be absolutely excluded. Of special interest was one farm with a small, completely self-contained flock where scrapie recurred 18 years after culling, 2 years after some lambs had been housed in an old sheep-house that had never been disinfected. Epidemiological investigation established with near certitude that the disease had not been introduced from the outside and it is concluded that the agent may have persisted in the old sheep-house for at least 16 years.
http://vir.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/87/12/3737?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=PRION&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=87&issue=12&resourcetype=HWCIT
2:00 Soil Minerals Enhance Prion Infectivity
Judd M. Aiken, DVM, Professor, Animal Health & Biomedical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine
We have recently demonstrated that prions bind clay and silica. The binding of PrPSc to a common soil clay (montmorillonite) is avid and this interaction enhances infectivity. The implications of this enhancement of transmission are far-reaching and include how scrapie and CWD are environmentally transmitted. The ramifications of these findings with regard to food safely will also be discussed.
http://www.healthtech.com/2007/tse/day1.asp
Subject: Prions Adhere to Soil Minerals and Remain Infectious
Date: April 14, 2006 at 7:10 am PST
Prions Adhere to Soil Minerals
and Remain Infectious
Christopher J. Johnson1,2, Kristen E. Phillips3, Peter T. Schramm3, Debbie McKenzie2, Judd M. Aiken1,2,
Joel A. Pedersen3,4*
1 Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America, 2 Department of Animal Health and Biomedical
Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America, 3 Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center,
University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America, 4 Department of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United
States of America
An unidentified environmental reservoir of infectivity contributes to the natural transmission of prion diseases
(transmissible spongiform encephalopathies [TSEs]) in sheep, deer, and elk. Prion infectivity may enter soil
environments via shedding from diseased animals and decomposition of infected carcasses. Burial of TSE-infected
cattle, sheep, and deer as a means of disposal has resulted in unintentional introduction of prions into subsurface
environments. We examined the potential for soil to serve as a TSE reservoir by studying the interaction of the diseaseassociated
prion protein (PrPSc) with common soil minerals. In this study, we demonstrated substantial PrPSc
adsorption to two clay minerals, quartz, and four whole soil samples. We quantified the PrPSc-binding capacities of
each mineral. Furthermore, we observed that PrPSc desorbed from montmorillonite clay was cleaved at an N-terminal
site and the interaction between PrPSc and Mte was strong, making desorption of the protein difficult. Despite
cleavage and avid binding, PrPSc bound to Mte remained infectious. Results from our study suggest that PrPSc released
into soil environments may be preserved in a bioavailable form, perpetuating prion disease epizootics and exposing
other species to the infectious agent.
Citation: Johnson CJ, Phillips KE, Schramm PT, McKenzie D, Aiken JM, et al. (2006) Prions adhere to soil minerals and remain infectious. PLoS Pathog 2(4): e32. DOI: 10.1371/
journal.ppat.0020032
snip...
PLoS Pathogens | www.plospathogens.org April 2006 | Volume 2 | Issue 4 | e32 0007
Sorption of Prions to Soil
http://pathogens.plosjournals.org/archive/1553-7374/2/4/pdf/10.1371_journal.ppat.0020032-S.pdf
http://pathogens.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-pdf&file=10.1371_journal.ppat.0020032-L.pdf
Epidemiology Update March 23, 2006
As of today, 13 locations and 32 movements of cattle have been examined with
27 of those being substantially completed. Additional investigations of
locations and herds will continue. In addition, state and federal officials
have confirmed that a black bull calf was born in 2005 to the index animal
(the red cow). The calf was taken by the owner to a local stockyard in July
2005 where the calf died. The calf was appropriately disposed of in a local
landfill and did not enter the human or animal food chain.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/hot_issues/bse/bse_al_epi-update.shtml
> The calf was appropriately disposed of in a local
> landfill and did not enter the human or animal food chain.
well, back at the ranch with larry, curly and mo heading up the USDA et al,
what would you expect, nothing less than shoot, shovel and shut the hell up.
no mad cow in USA, feed ban working, no civil war in Iraq either.
but what has past history shown us, evidently it has shown the USDA et al
nothing ;
http://www.prwatch.org/node/4624/print
3:30 Transmission of the Italian Atypical BSE (BASE) in Humanized Mouse Models
Qingzhong Kong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Pathology, Case Western Reserve University
Bovine Amyloid Spongiform Encephalopathy (BASE) is an atypical BSE strain discovered recently in Italy, and similar or different atypical BSE cases were also reported in other countries. The infectivity and phenotypes of these atypical BSE strains in humans are unknown. In collaboration with Pierluigi Gambetti, as well as Maria Caramelli and her co-workers, we have inoculated transgenic mice expressing human prion protein with brain homogenates from BASE or BSE infected cattle. Our data shows that about half of the BASE-inoculated mice became infected with an average incubation time of about 19 months; in contrast, none of the BSE-inoculated mice appear to be infected after more than 2 years. These results indicate that BASE is transmissible to humans and suggest that BASE is more virulent than classical BSE in humans.
http://www.healthtech.com/2007/tse/day1.asp
SEE STEADY INCREASE IN SPORADIC CJD IN THE USA FROM
1997 TO 2006. SPORADIC CJD CASES TRIPLED, with phenotype
of 'UNKNOWN' strain growing. ...
http://www.cjdsurveillance.com/resources-casereport.html
There is a growing number of human CJD cases, and they were presented last week in San Francisco by Luigi Gambatti(?) from his CJD surveillance collection.
He estimates that it may be up to 14 or 15 persons which display selectively SPRPSC and practically no detected RPRPSC proteins.
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/transcripts/1006-4240t1.htm
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/transcripts/2006-4240t1.pdf
[Docket No. FSIS-2006-0011] FSIS Harvard Risk Assessment of Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Singeltary submission
snip...
Research Project: Study of Atypical Bse
Location: Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock
Project Number: 3625-32000-073-07
Project Type: Specific C/A
Start Date: Sep 15, 2004
End Date: Sep 14, 2007
Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project with Dr. Maria Caramelli from the Italian BSE Reference Laboratory in Turin, Italy, is to
conduct comparative studies with the U.S. bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) isolate and the atypical BSE isolates identified in Italy.
The studies will cover the following areas: 1. Evaluation of present diagnostics tools used in the U.S. for the detection of atypical BSE cases. 2.
Molecular comparison of the U.S. BSE isolate and other typical BSE isolates with atypical BSE cases. 3. Studies on transmissibility and tissue
distribution of atypical BSE isolates in cattle and other species.
Approach:
This project will be done as a Specific Cooperative Agreement with the Italian BSE Reference Laboratory, Istituto
Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, in Turin, Italy. It is essential for the U.S. BSE surveillance program to
analyze the effectiveness of the U.S diagnostic tools for detection of atypical cases of BSE. Molecular comparisons of
the U.S. BSE isolate with atypical BSE isolates will provide further characterization of the U.S. BSE isolate.
Transmission studies are already underway using brain homogenates from atypical BSE cases into mice, cattle and
sheep. It will be critical to see whether the atypical BSE isolates behave similarly to typical BSE isolates in terms of
transmissibility and disease pathogenesis. If transmission occurs, tissue distribution comparisons will be made between
cattle infected with the atypical BSE isolate and the U.S. BSE isolate. Differences in tissue distribution could require
new regulations regarding specific risk material (SRM) removal.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/projects/projects.htm?ACCN_NO=408490
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8/3/2006
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http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/Comments/2006-0011/2006-0011-1.pdf
[Docket No. 03-025IFA] FSIS Prohibition of the Use of Specified Risk
Materials for Human Food and Requirement for the Disposition of
Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle
03-025IFA
03-025IFA-2
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/Comments/03-025IFA/03-025IFA-2.pdf
THE SEVEN SCIENTIST REPORT ***
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/02n0273/02n-0273-EC244-Attach-1.pdf
Full Text
Diagnosis and Reporting of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Singeltary, Sr et al. JAMA.2001; 285: 733-734.
http://jama.ama-assn.org/
TSS
Date: November 19, 2006 at 1:48 pm PST
National Institutes of Health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH
PERSPECTIVES
ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH
PERSPECTIVES
ehponline.org
Environmental Health Impacts of
Concentrated Animal
Feeding Operations: Anticipating Hazards –
Searching for Solutions
Peter S. Thorne
doi:10.1289/ehp.8831 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
1
Environmental Health Impacts of Concentrated Animal
Feeding Operations: Anticipating Hazards – Searching for
Solutions
Report of a Scientific Workshop
Peter S. Thorne
Send page proofs to: Peter S. Thorne, PhD, Professor, College of Public Health, The
University of Iowa, 100 Oakdale Campus, IREH, Iowa City, IA 52242-5000.
TEL: (319) 335-4216. FAX: (319) 335-4225. Email: [email protected]
2
Running Title: Environmental Health Impacts of CAFOs
Key Words: air quality, animal confinements, antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial growth
promotants, avian influenza, bioaerosols, livestock, poultry, swine, water quality
Commonly used abbreviations in this report:
CAFO: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation
EHSRC: Environmental Health Sciences Research Center at the University of Iowa
PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
U.S. EPA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Acknowledgments:
This conference was supported by the Environmental Health Sciences Research Center
at the University of Iowa and NIEHS P30 ES05605-S1. The authors thank Susan
Kaliszewski, Robin Ungar, Jenn Cook and Laura McCormick for handling the numerous
arrangements for the conference and Nancy Newkirk for organization and editing of
these workgroup reports.
3
Manuscript Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Summary of Workshop Recommendations
References
4
Abstract
A scientific conference and workshop was held in March 2004 that brought together
environmental scientists from North America and Europe to address major environmental
health issues associated with concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), which are
large, industrialized livestock production facilities. After one and a half days of plenary
sessions, five expert workgroups convened to consider the most relevant research areas
including: respiratory health effects; modeling and monitoring of air toxics; water quality
issues; influenza pandemics and antibiotic resistance; and community health and
socioeconomic issues. The Workgroup Reports that follow outline the state of the science
and public health concerns relating to livestock production as they apply to each workgroup
topic. The reports also identify areas where further research is needed and suggest
opportunities to translate science to policy initiatives that would effect improvements in
public and environmental health. Viable solutions to some of the current environmental
health problems associated with CAFOs are outlined. In addition, these reports bring to light
several major concerns, including air and water contamination, the rise of antibiotic-resistant
bacteria in livestock and the specter of influenza outbreaks arising from siting industrialized
poultry and swine production in close proximity to each other and to humans.
5
Introduction
Dramatic changes in livestock production have occurred over the past two decades. The
trend in swine, poultry, and cattle operations has been toward fewer, but increasingly larger
operations. Traditional crop-livestock farms were balanced in that livestock manure supplied
nutrients to grow the crops to feed those livestock. Farmers raised the quantity of livestock
their croplands could support. Industrialized livestock production requires drawing feed from
a wide area, often far away, while manure is distributed to a small, local landmass resulting
in soil accumulation and runoff of phosphorus, nitrogen and other pollutants (Iowa State
University and University of Iowa Study Group 2002). The consolidation of the livestock
industry has been observed throughout North America and Europe and has led to calls for
increased regulation to reduce and control the wastes. The State of Iowa, which produces
one-fourth of the U.S. pork, exemplifies this trend. The number of farms in Iowa raising hogs
decreased from 64,000 in 1980 to 10,500 in 2000 – an 84% decrease – while the average
number of hogs per farm increased from 250 to 1,430 over this same period (Otto and
Lawrence 2000). Farms with over 500 hogs now account for 65% of the statewide inventory
and 75% of the U.S. inventory.
The results of the increasing intensity of livestock operations have been regionally levels of
air contaminants and increased problems with contamination of surface waters with animal
waste. Management practices such as feeding animals with antimicrobial growth promotants
and housing poultry and swine in close proximity are additional concerns. Community and
neighbor fears of potential adverse human health effects have increased, leading to the
formation of citizen action groups in many locales. These groups have lobbied government
officials at the local and regional levels to promulgate and enforce regulations to reduce
environmental impacts and health hazards from nearby CAFOs. A Town Meeting
sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the University of
6
Iowa, Environmental Health Sciences Research Center (EHSRC) was held in Des Moines,
Iowa in 2001 to bring stakeholders together to seek common ground. This Town Meeting
gave producers, concerned citizens and regulators the opportunity to air the issues. Many
areas of discord were identified and a need for better translation of science to policy was
recognized.
Findings from the 2001 Town Meeting prompted the EHSRC to organize this scientific
conference and workshop held in Iowa City, Iowa which brought together experts in
environmental science from the U.S., Canada, Sweden, Denmark and The Netherlands to
address major environmental health issues associated with CAFOs. The conference
audience was comprised of scientists, agriculturalists, producer group representatives,
environmental and community activists, government officials and rural residents. Five
workgroups of scientists convened to further consider the major topics and identify the state
of the science. Their reports follow. These reports outline the scientific issues and public
health concerns relating to livestock production as it applies to each workgroup topic and
identify areas where further research is needed. They also suggest opportunities to translate
science to policy initiatives that would advance public and environmental health.
Summary of Workshop Recommendations
The Workgroup on Health Effects of Airborne Exposures from CAFOs found that there
is a lack of data on the health effects of odors and complex mixtures emanating from
CAFOs (Heederik et al. 2006). They also identified a need for research on susceptibility
of people for ill health from CAFO exposures based on age, gender or genetic makeup.
This workgroup expressed the view that international harmonization is needed for
analytical methods for exposure assessment of biological agents such as bacterial
7
endotoxin, fungal glucan, and other pathogen-associated molecular patterns.
Additionally, they noted that recent advances have identified less invasive approaches
for collection of body fluids from which more sensitive biomarkers of response can be
measured. They recommended that panel studies be performed among susceptible
populations exposed to CAFO emissions, as this approach would be most effective for
determining responsible agents and disease mechanisms. In terms of science
translation to policy, they recommended that best practices for occupational hygiene be
promoted for the livestock industry and that exposure standards for organic dust,
biological agents and toxic gases should be promulgated and enforced across the
industry.
The Workgroup on Modeling and Monitoring of Emissions from CAFOs noted that the
downstream concentrations of airborne effluents from CAFOs are not well understood
(Bunton et al. 2006). They recommended establishment of monitoring networks for
hydrogen sulfide and ammonia using many low-cost passive monitors and a lesser
number of expensive realtime monitors. Some monitors should be located in relatively
pristine areas away from livestock operations to characterize background levels in rural
areas. There is a further need for particulate monitoring accompanied by analysis of
adsorbed malodorous vapors and gases, since these appear to travel up to a kilometer
from the source. This Workgroup found that additional studies should be conducted
seeking to identify links between specific agents ascribed to CAFO emissions and
health outcomes in the rural community. In terms of modeling fate and transport from
livestock operations, the Workgroup found that additional data are needed on emission
8
rates from manure storage tanks or lagoons, land-applied manure, and livestock
buildings that are tied to animal inventories and management practices . The
Workgroup determined that modeling has advanced as a science and should be better
utilized for decisions on permitting, siting and waste management of CAFOs. Further
refinements should include models that account for chemical transformation of effluents
and models that provide long-term concentration distributions at a regional level.
The Workgroup on Impacts of CAFOs on Water Quality listed several priority research
areas including monitoring of whole watersheds in order to understand the effects of
extreme events on ecosystem health, toxicologic assessment of water contaminants
from CAFOs, and studies of primary effluents and metabolites in soils, sediments and
water (Burkholder et al. 2006). This Workgroup recommended surveillance programs for
rural private well water in areas at high risk for contamination. They suggested that
effective waste and wastewater treatment practices known for managing human wastes,
augmented with emerging technologies, should be translated into practice to prevent
consumption of emerging contaminants, such as veterinary pharmaceuticals (including
antibiotics and anabolic hormones). The Workgroup identified a need for
implementation of best management practices through education and regulation to
reduce release of CAFO contaminants into surface waters and aquifers.
The Workgroup on The Potential Role of CAFOs in Infectious Disease Epidemics and
Antibiotic Resistance raised concerns about the practice of co-locating swine and
poultry facilities and the specter of a global pandemic arising from new strains of avian
9
influenza incubated in swine and transmitted to humans (Gilchrist et al. 2006). They
recommended that minimum separation distances should be established and that
animals should not be fed tissues, fecal matter, or contaminated water from other
animals. This Workgroup stated that solid tanks for storage of manure and municipal
style waste treatment are necessary to limit microbial contamination of soil and water,
prevent access to waterfowl and limit the spread of disease. The Workgroup strongly
endorsed phasing out the use of antimicrobial agents as growth promotants in the U.S.,
as is happening in the European Union and was called for by the World Health
Organization and dozens of scientific and medical organizations. One complication is a
difference between the U.S. and the European Union animal industries’ interpretation of the
terms, “growth promoter” and “therapeutic use.” In the U.S., some routine, non-therapeutic uses
of antibiotics are not considered to be growth promotion, while in the European Union, they are
defined as such. At the time Denmark phased out antibiotic use for animal growth promotion, all
remaining antibiotic uses with animals were administered by prescription only. This phase-out
resulted in an overall drop in antibiotic use of about 54%. On the other hand, the U.S.-based
Animal Health Institute has in the past stated that only about 10% of antibiotic use in U.S.
animal production is for "growth promotion," and that 90% is for "therapeutic use," and almost all
U.S. antibiotics used in animal production are available over-the-counter. This differentiation is
important, as a phase-out of antibiotics used for “growth promotion” as defined in the U.S. would
likely result in a much smaller reduction (10%) than the phase-out of “growth promotion” in
Denmark (54%), given that Denmark’s numbers include some antibiotics administered routinely
for disease prevention or therapy. The Workgroup identified a need to establish national
surveillance programs to track the transmission of antimicrobial resistant organisms
from livestock to humans and to identify ecological reservoirs and impacts.
10
Fingerprinting of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a necessary component and will allow
characterization of changes in resistance profiles over time.
The Workgroup on Community Health and Socioeconomic Issues Surrounding CAFOs
considered the impacts of industrialization of livestock production on rural communities
in terms of economics, social capital and quality of life (Donham et al. 2006). They
recommended comprehensive community health studies comparing physical, mental
and social health outcomes, and economic conditions in comparable communities with
and without large livestock operations. This Workgroup noted that much of the research
funding for agriculture is directed toward non-sustainable production and recommended
that funds be reoriented to sustainable systems. The Workgroup concurred that there is
sufficient information on the hazards of CAFOs to communities that a more measured
approach to siting and permitting of facilities and waste management is needed and that
permits should consider watershed level animal density and dispersion of airshed
emissions. Permitting decisions should also include greater involvement of communities
through public hearings and open meetings. The Workgroup suggested that permits for
manure storage reservoirs should require bonding in order to ensure that spills will be
cleaned up and manure lagoons will be decommissioned rather than abandoned,
should the producer become insolvent.
There was general agreement among all workgroups that the industrialization of
livestock production over the past three decades has not been accompanied by
commensurate modernization of regulations to protect the health of the public, or
11
natural, public-trust resources, particularly in the U.S. While the European Union has
made greater strides, there is room for further improvements in the control of air and
water pollutants from CAFOs in Europe as well as the U.S. Expansion of large CAFOs
into Central and Eastern Europe and South America is occurring without attention to
lessons learned from health and environmental problems in the U.S. and Western
Europe. Major concerns exist over the role of intensive livestock production in influenza
outbreaks and the emergence of antibiotic resistant organisms. Recent attention to
these risks among the scientific community, the public and governments is encouraging.
References
Iowa State University and the University of Iowa Study Group. 2002. Iowa Concentrated
Animal Feeding Operations Air Quality Study, University of Iowa, pp. 1-221. Available:
http://www.ehsrc.org [accessed 10 October 2005]
Otto D, Lawrence J. 2000. The Iowa Pork Industry 2000: Trends and Economic
Importance, ISU Economics Working Paper. Available:
http://www.econ.iastate.edu/outreach [accessed 10 October 2005]
Heederik D, Sigsgaard T, Thorne PS, Kline JN, Avery R, Chrischilles EA, et al. 2006.
Health Effects of Airborne Exposures from CAFOs, Environ Health Perspect, this issue .
12
Bunton B, O’Shaughnessy P, Fitzsimmons S, Gering J Hoff S, Lyngbye M, et al. 2006.
Modeling and Monitoring of Emissions from CAFOs, Environ Health Perspect, this
issue.
Burkholder J, Libra B, Weyer P, Heathcote S, Kolpin D, Thorne PS, et al. 2006. Impacts
of CAFOs on Water Quality, Environ Health Perspect, this issue.
Gilchrist M, Greko C, Thorne PS, Wallinga D, Riley D, Beran G. 2006. The Potential
Role of CAFOs in Infectious Disease Epidemics and Antibiotic Resistance, Environ
Health Perspect, this issue
.
Donham K, Wing S, Osterberg D, Flora J, Hodne C, Lewis L, et al. 2006. Community
Health and Socioeconomic Issues Surrounding CAFOs, Environ Health Perspect, this
issue,.
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8831/8831.pdf
Health Effects of Airborne Exposures from
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
Dick Heederik, Torben Sigsgaard, Peter S. Thorne, Joel N.
Kline, Rachel Avery, Jacob Bønløkke, Elizabeth A.
Chrischilles, James A. Dosman, Caroline Duchaine, Steven
R. Kirkhorn, Katarina Kulhankova and James A. Merchant
doi:10.1289/ehp.8835 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
Health Effects of Airborne Exposures from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
Workgroup Report: “Environmental Health Impacts of CAFOs: Anticipating Hazards –
Searching for Solutions.” March 29-31, 2004, Iowa City, Iowa
Members
Dick Heederik, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Co-Chair)
Torben Sigsgaard, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark (Co-Chair)
Peter S. Thorne, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Joel N. Kline, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Rachel Avery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
Jacob Bønløkke, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
Elizabeth A. Chrischilles, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
James A. Dosman, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Caroline Duchaine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Steven R. Kirkhorn, National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield, WI, USA
Katarina Kulhankova, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
James A. Merchant, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa,
Abstract
Toxic gases, vapors and particles are emitted from Concentrated Animal Feeding
Operations (CAFOs) into the general environment. These include ammonia, hydrogen
sulfide, carbon dioxide, malodorous vapors and particles contaminated with a wide range of
microorganisms. Little is known about the health risks of exposure to these agents for people
living in the surrounding areas. Malodor is one of the predominant concenrs and indications
exist that psycho-physiological changes may occur as a result of exposure to malodorous
compounds. There is a paucity of data regarding community health effects related to low
level gas and particulate emissions. Most information comes from studies among workers in
these installations. Research over the last decades has shown that microbial exposures, and
especially endotoxin exposure, are related to deleterious respiratory health effects, of which
cross-shift lung function decline, and accelerated decline over time are the most pronounced
effects. Studies in naïve subjects and workers have shown respiratory inflammatory
responses related to the microbial load. The working group concluded that there is a great
need to evaluate health effects due to exposures that originate from CAFOs and are emitted
into the general environment. Research should not only focus on nuisance and odors but
also on potential health effects from microbial exposures focusing on susceptible subgroups,
especially asthmatic children and the elderly, since these exposures have been shown to be
related to respiratory health effects among workers in CAFOs.
FULL TEXT 26 PAGES ;
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8835/8835.pdf
Community Health and Socioeconomic Issues
Surrounding CAFOs
Kelley J. Donham, Steven Wing, David Osterberg, Jan L.
Flora, Carol Hodne, Kendall M. Thu and Peter S. Thorne
doi:10.1289/ehp.8836 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
Abstract
A consensus of the Workgroup on Community and Socioeconomic Issues was that “Improving
and sustaining healthy rural communities depends on integrating socioeconomic development
and environmental protection.” The workgroup agreed that the World Health Organization’s
definition of health, “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity,” applies to rural communities. These principles are
embodied in the following main points agreed upon by this workgroup. Healthy rural
communities ensure: a) the physical and mental health of individuals; b) financial security for
individuals and the greater community; c) social well being; d) social and environmental justice,
and; e) political equity and access. This workgroup evaluated impacts of the proliferation of
CAFOs on sustaining the health of rural communities. Recommended policy changes include a
more stringent permitting process for CAFOs, considering bonding for manure storage basins,
limitations on animal density per watershed, enhanced local control, and mandated
environmental impact statements.
FULL TEXT 25 PAGES ;
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8836/8836.pdf
The Potential Role of CAFOs in Infectious
Disease Epidemics and Antibiotic Resistance
Mary J. Gilchrist, Christina Greko, David B. Wallinga,
George W. Beran, David G. Riley and Peter S. Thorne
doi:10.1289/ehp.8837 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
Abstract
The industrialization of livestock production and the widespread use of non-therapeutic
antimicrobial growth promotants has intensified the risk for the emergence of new, more
virulent, or more resistant microorganisms. These have reduced the effectiveness of several
classes of antibiotics for treating infections in humans and livestock. Recent outbreaks of
virulent strains of influenza have arisen from swine and poultry raised in close proximity. This
Working Group considered the state of the science around these issues and concurred with the
World Health Organization call for a phasing-out of the use of antimicrobial growth promotants
for livestock and fish production. We also agree that all therapeutic antimicrobial agents should
be available by prescription only for both human and veterinary use. Concern about the risk of
an influenza pandemic leads us to recommend that regulations be promulgated to restrict the
co-location of swine and poultry CAFOs on the same site and to set appropriate separation
distances.
FULL TEXT 21 PAGES ;
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8837/8837.pdf
Monitoring and Modeling of Emissions from
CAFOs: Overview of Methods
Bryan Bunton, Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Sean Fitzsimmons,
John Gering, Stephen Hoff, Merete Lyngbye, Peter S.
Thorne, Jeffrey Wasson and Mark Werner
doi:10.1289/ehp.8838 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
Abstract
This workgroup report is the outgrowth of a conference entitled, “Environmental Health Impacts
of CAFOs: Anticipating Hazards – Searching for Solutions,” held March 29-31, 2004 in Iowa
City, Iowa.
Accurate monitors are required to determine ambient concentration levels of contaminants
emanating from Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), and accurate models are
required to indicate the spatial variability of concentrations over regions affected by CAFOs. A
thorough understanding of the spatial and temporal variability of concentration levels could then
be associated with locations of healthy individuals or subjects with respiratory ailments to
statistically link the presence of CAFOs to the prevalence of ill health effects in local
populations. This workgroup report covers a description of the instrumentation currently
available for assessing contaminant concentration levels in the vicinity of CAFOs and reviews
plume dispersion models that may be utilized to estimate concentration levels spatially.
Recommendations for further research with respect to ambient air monitoring include accurately
determining long-term average concentrations for a region under the influence of CAFO
emissions using a combination of instruments based on accuracy, cost, and sampling duration.
In addition, development of instruments capable of accurately quantifying adsorbed gases and
volatile organic compounds is needed. Further research with respect to plume dispersion
models includes identifying and validating the most applicable model for use in predicting
downwind concentrations from CAFOs. Additional data are needed to obtain reliable emission
rates from CAFOs.
FULL TEXT 28 PAGES;
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8838/8838.pdf
Impacts of Waste from Concentrated Animal
Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on Water Quality
JoAnn Burkholder, Bob Libra, Peter Weyer, Susan
Heathcote, Dana Kolpin, Peter S. Thorne and
Michael Wichman
doi:10.1289/ehp.8839 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 14 November 2006
Abstract
Waste from agricultural livestock operations has been a long-standing concern with respect to
contamination of water resources, particularly in terms of nutrient pollution. However, the recent
growth of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) presents a greater risk to water
quality due to both the increased volume of waste and to contaminants that may be present
(e.g. antibiotics and other veterinary drugs) that may have both environmental and public health
importance. Based on available data, generally accepted livestock waste management practices
do not adequately or effectively protect water resources from contamination with excessive
nutrients, microbial pathogens, and pharmaceuticals present in the waste. Impacts on surface
water sources and wildlife have been documented in many agricultural areas in the United
States. Potential impacts on human and environmental health from long-term inadvertent
exposure to water contaminated with pharmaceuticals and other compounds are a growing
public concern. The workgroup identified needs for rigorous ecosystem monitoring in the
vicinity of CAFOs, and for improved characterization of major toxicants affecting the
environment and human health. Lastly, there is a need to promote and enforce best practices
to minimize inputs of nutrients and toxicants from CAFOs into freshwater and marine
ecosystems.
FULL TEXT 30 PAGES;
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/8839/8839.pdf
J Gen Virol 87 (2006), 3737-3740; DOI 10.1099/vir.0.82011-0
Infectious agent of sheep scrapie may persist in the environment for at least 16 years
Gudmundur Georgsson1, Sigurdur Sigurdarson2 and Paul Brown3
1 Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur v/vesturlandsveg, IS-112 Reykjavík, Iceland
2 Laboratory of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Keldur, Iceland
3 Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Correspondence
Gudmundur Georgsson
[email protected]
In 1978, a rigorous programme was implemented to stop the spread of, and subsequently eradicate, sheep scrapie in Iceland. Affected flocks were culled, premises were disinfected and, after 2?3 years, restocked with lambs from scrapie-free areas. Between 1978 and 2004, scrapie recurred on 33 farms. Nine of these recurrences occurred 14?21 years after culling, apparently as the result of environmental contamination, but outside entry could not always be absolutely excluded. Of special interest was one farm with a small, completely self-contained flock where scrapie recurred 18 years after culling, 2 years after some lambs had been housed in an old sheep-house that had never been disinfected. Epidemiological investigation established with near certitude that the disease had not been introduced from the outside and it is concluded that the agent may have persisted in the old sheep-house for at least 16 years.
http://vir.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/87/12/3737?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=PRION&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=87&issue=12&resourcetype=HWCIT
2:00 Soil Minerals Enhance Prion Infectivity
Judd M. Aiken, DVM, Professor, Animal Health & Biomedical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine
We have recently demonstrated that prions bind clay and silica. The binding of PrPSc to a common soil clay (montmorillonite) is avid and this interaction enhances infectivity. The implications of this enhancement of transmission are far-reaching and include how scrapie and CWD are environmentally transmitted. The ramifications of these findings with regard to food safely will also be discussed.
http://www.healthtech.com/2007/tse/day1.asp
Subject: Prions Adhere to Soil Minerals and Remain Infectious
Date: April 14, 2006 at 7:10 am PST
Prions Adhere to Soil Minerals
and Remain Infectious
Christopher J. Johnson1,2, Kristen E. Phillips3, Peter T. Schramm3, Debbie McKenzie2, Judd M. Aiken1,2,
Joel A. Pedersen3,4*
1 Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America, 2 Department of Animal Health and Biomedical
Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America, 3 Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center,
University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America, 4 Department of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United
States of America
An unidentified environmental reservoir of infectivity contributes to the natural transmission of prion diseases
(transmissible spongiform encephalopathies [TSEs]) in sheep, deer, and elk. Prion infectivity may enter soil
environments via shedding from diseased animals and decomposition of infected carcasses. Burial of TSE-infected
cattle, sheep, and deer as a means of disposal has resulted in unintentional introduction of prions into subsurface
environments. We examined the potential for soil to serve as a TSE reservoir by studying the interaction of the diseaseassociated
prion protein (PrPSc) with common soil minerals. In this study, we demonstrated substantial PrPSc
adsorption to two clay minerals, quartz, and four whole soil samples. We quantified the PrPSc-binding capacities of
each mineral. Furthermore, we observed that PrPSc desorbed from montmorillonite clay was cleaved at an N-terminal
site and the interaction between PrPSc and Mte was strong, making desorption of the protein difficult. Despite
cleavage and avid binding, PrPSc bound to Mte remained infectious. Results from our study suggest that PrPSc released
into soil environments may be preserved in a bioavailable form, perpetuating prion disease epizootics and exposing
other species to the infectious agent.
Citation: Johnson CJ, Phillips KE, Schramm PT, McKenzie D, Aiken JM, et al. (2006) Prions adhere to soil minerals and remain infectious. PLoS Pathog 2(4): e32. DOI: 10.1371/
journal.ppat.0020032
snip...
PLoS Pathogens | www.plospathogens.org April 2006 | Volume 2 | Issue 4 | e32 0007
Sorption of Prions to Soil
http://pathogens.plosjournals.org/archive/1553-7374/2/4/pdf/10.1371_journal.ppat.0020032-S.pdf
http://pathogens.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-pdf&file=10.1371_journal.ppat.0020032-L.pdf
Epidemiology Update March 23, 2006
As of today, 13 locations and 32 movements of cattle have been examined with
27 of those being substantially completed. Additional investigations of
locations and herds will continue. In addition, state and federal officials
have confirmed that a black bull calf was born in 2005 to the index animal
(the red cow). The calf was taken by the owner to a local stockyard in July
2005 where the calf died. The calf was appropriately disposed of in a local
landfill and did not enter the human or animal food chain.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/hot_issues/bse/bse_al_epi-update.shtml
> The calf was appropriately disposed of in a local
> landfill and did not enter the human or animal food chain.
well, back at the ranch with larry, curly and mo heading up the USDA et al,
what would you expect, nothing less than shoot, shovel and shut the hell up.
no mad cow in USA, feed ban working, no civil war in Iraq either.
but what has past history shown us, evidently it has shown the USDA et al
nothing ;
http://www.prwatch.org/node/4624/print
3:30 Transmission of the Italian Atypical BSE (BASE) in Humanized Mouse Models
Qingzhong Kong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Pathology, Case Western Reserve University
Bovine Amyloid Spongiform Encephalopathy (BASE) is an atypical BSE strain discovered recently in Italy, and similar or different atypical BSE cases were also reported in other countries. The infectivity and phenotypes of these atypical BSE strains in humans are unknown. In collaboration with Pierluigi Gambetti, as well as Maria Caramelli and her co-workers, we have inoculated transgenic mice expressing human prion protein with brain homogenates from BASE or BSE infected cattle. Our data shows that about half of the BASE-inoculated mice became infected with an average incubation time of about 19 months; in contrast, none of the BSE-inoculated mice appear to be infected after more than 2 years. These results indicate that BASE is transmissible to humans and suggest that BASE is more virulent than classical BSE in humans.
http://www.healthtech.com/2007/tse/day1.asp
SEE STEADY INCREASE IN SPORADIC CJD IN THE USA FROM
1997 TO 2006. SPORADIC CJD CASES TRIPLED, with phenotype
of 'UNKNOWN' strain growing. ...
http://www.cjdsurveillance.com/resources-casereport.html
There is a growing number of human CJD cases, and they were presented last week in San Francisco by Luigi Gambatti(?) from his CJD surveillance collection.
He estimates that it may be up to 14 or 15 persons which display selectively SPRPSC and practically no detected RPRPSC proteins.
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/transcripts/1006-4240t1.htm
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/transcripts/2006-4240t1.pdf
[Docket No. FSIS-2006-0011] FSIS Harvard Risk Assessment of Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Singeltary submission
snip...
Research Project: Study of Atypical Bse
Location: Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock
Project Number: 3625-32000-073-07
Project Type: Specific C/A
Start Date: Sep 15, 2004
End Date: Sep 14, 2007
Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project with Dr. Maria Caramelli from the Italian BSE Reference Laboratory in Turin, Italy, is to
conduct comparative studies with the U.S. bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) isolate and the atypical BSE isolates identified in Italy.
The studies will cover the following areas: 1. Evaluation of present diagnostics tools used in the U.S. for the detection of atypical BSE cases. 2.
Molecular comparison of the U.S. BSE isolate and other typical BSE isolates with atypical BSE cases. 3. Studies on transmissibility and tissue
distribution of atypical BSE isolates in cattle and other species.
Approach:
This project will be done as a Specific Cooperative Agreement with the Italian BSE Reference Laboratory, Istituto
Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, in Turin, Italy. It is essential for the U.S. BSE surveillance program to
analyze the effectiveness of the U.S diagnostic tools for detection of atypical cases of BSE. Molecular comparisons of
the U.S. BSE isolate with atypical BSE isolates will provide further characterization of the U.S. BSE isolate.
Transmission studies are already underway using brain homogenates from atypical BSE cases into mice, cattle and
sheep. It will be critical to see whether the atypical BSE isolates behave similarly to typical BSE isolates in terms of
transmissibility and disease pathogenesis. If transmission occurs, tissue distribution comparisons will be made between
cattle infected with the atypical BSE isolate and the U.S. BSE isolate. Differences in tissue distribution could require
new regulations regarding specific risk material (SRM) removal.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/projects/projects.htm?ACCN_NO=408490
Page 5 of 98
8/3/2006
snip...
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/Comments/2006-0011/2006-0011-1.pdf
[Docket No. 03-025IFA] FSIS Prohibition of the Use of Specified Risk
Materials for Human Food and Requirement for the Disposition of
Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle
03-025IFA
03-025IFA-2
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/Comments/03-025IFA/03-025IFA-2.pdf
THE SEVEN SCIENTIST REPORT ***
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/02n0273/02n-0273-EC244-Attach-1.pdf
Full Text
Diagnosis and Reporting of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Singeltary, Sr et al. JAMA.2001; 285: 733-734.
http://jama.ama-assn.org/
TSS