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Dangerous Feedlots

As livestock farming in America has become more efficient over the past several decades, it has also produced a growing number of hazards to human and animal health. The advent of “factory farms” has brought with it polluted air and water, overuse of antibiotics in animal feed and health problems for those who live nearby.

Two years ago, researchers from the United States, Canada and northern Europe gathered in Iowa to study the problems associated with livestock feedlots, or factory farms. The workshop resulted in six reports recently published in the online version of Environmental Health Perspectives.

The researchers concluded that we are badly in need of limits on the population density of animals; mandatory environmental reviews for new feedlots; a ban on the use of antibiotics to promote animal growth; and a requirement that farmers get prescriptions for the antibiotics they use on animals. They also raised concerns about hogs and poultry living in close proximity because of the potential to spread avian flu.

Other concerns include nitrates, antibiotics and fecal bacteria contaminating water supplies and strong farm odors (especially from pig farms) affecting the quality of life for neighboring communities.

But at least some help may be on the horizon. The Bush administration has proposed regulations that would require Clean Water Act permits for factory farms. And farm industry representatives say they are working to resolve some of these problems on their own.

For more information on this story, read the article in the LA Times.

To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to: www.environmentalhealthnews.org, www.ourstolenfuture.org, or www.healthandenvironment.org