| Title: | Health effects associated with exposure to hazardous biological agents and their constituents in poultry farming. | | Authors: | DO Matuka and TS Singh | | Source: | Occupational Health Southern Africa: May/Jun 2010, Vol 16 (3), 8-17 | | Year: | 2010 | | Summary: | Poultry farming is a major agricultural sector that plays an important role in South African food production and a substantial number of people are employed in this sector. Poultry workers are at increased risk of respiratory disorders as a result of exposure to organic dust, microorganisms and their microbial cell wall agents. Previous research have demonstrated that farm workers experienced respiratory symptoms such as cough, phlegm and wheezing, while some developed asthma and toxic pneumonitis. An understanding of exposure to multiple biological agents associated with poultry farming is critical in reducing respiratory disorders thus creating a safe environment for employees. This review describes the health effects associated with occupational exposure to poultry dust, hazardous biological agents and their constituents in various poultry job categories. The paper also discusses the emerging biological agents found in poultry settings that have been associated with work-related respiratory disorders. The aim is to promote awareness on measures that could be implemented to minimize the burden of respiratory disease. |
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