Biocontaminants emitted into the air during the spreading of swine slurry: biosecurity risk assessment and mitigation on hog farms

Description

This initiative is part of a larger project that addresses the risks posed by the spreading of manure and emissions released into the environment with regard to the biosecurity of farms and the health of workers and nearby populations. This phase focuses on the impact of current spreading operations on farm biosecurity, whereas the overall project covers many more aspects and will lead to the development of new strategies and spreading equipment.

Given the nature of the contaminants present in the slurry (bioaerosols, dust, odours, etc.), the research team asserts that there is considerable risk to animal health during slurry application on farmlands. However, team members believe it is possible to limit the spread of disease and improve biosecurity protocols on farms through improved understanding of emissions and alternate spreading techniques.

Objective(s)

With a view to assessing and reducing the biosecurity risks posed to farms by the spreading of swine slurry, this project specifically aims to:

• quantify the fugitive emissions that arise during manure spreading with existing equipment, and
• assess the biosecurity risks associated with these emissions and make recommendations with respect to equipment choice and the distances separating farms.