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Herrera N, Vélez J, Holt T, Pinedo P. Employee perception of precision technology use at the dairy farm. Transl Anim Sci 2024; 8:txae036. [PMID: 38562212 PMCID: PMC10983077 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txae036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The adoption of precision technologies on dairy farms has increased significantly in recent decades, leading to the challenge of providing employees with resources to maximize the efficient use of these tools. The objective of this study was to explore how dairy farm employees perceive the available precision technologies and to identify possible challenges they face when adapting to their use at the farm. An online survey consisting of four sections (employee demographics, precision technologies in use, perception of these technologies, and opportunities for adapting to technology use) was completed from September to December 2022 by 266 farm employees from three dairies operated under similar management. Most of the respondents were identified as male (72.2%), Hispanic or Latino (92.5%), aged between 21 and 30 (39.1%) or 31 and 40 yr (36.8%), with a bachelor's degree (34.6%) or completion of middle school (29.3%) and having basic or no English proficiency (74%). Overall, the respondents indicated being comfortable (95.6%) with and understanding (91.8%) the technology they use. Employees recognized precision technology as a tool that helps them to be more efficient (93.7%), identifying the technologies' benefits (92.1%). However, challenges for adapting to these technologies included personal limitations, such as not knowing the language of the technology (31%), visual impairments (24%), light sensitivity (14%), and not being able to read (7%). Environmental limitations were also recognized and included cold weather (64.3%), wind (46%), and surroundings that were too dark (31%) or too bright (21%). Significant associations between perception of the technology and age, level of education, and English proficiency were identified. Respondents indicated their desire to learn more about precision technologies implemented at work, which could eventually lead to improved efficiency at the dairy operation through innovations in the way users interact with these technologies, increasing employees' motivation. This study provides insights that could assist the dairy industry in addressing challenges and enhancing opportunities for a more efficient use of precision technologies at dairy farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Herrera
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Juan Vélez
- Aurora Organic Farms, Platteville, CO 80651, USA
| | - Timothy Holt
- Department of Clinical Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Pablo Pinedo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Seidel J, Magzamen S, Wang YH, Neujahr V, Schaeffer JW. Lessons from Dairy Farmers for Occupational Allergy and Respiratory Disease. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2023:10.1007/s11882-023-01081-2. [PMID: 37191901 PMCID: PMC10186320 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-023-01081-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Exposure to bioaerosols at dairies has long been associated with allergy, respiratory disease, and decreases in lung function. Recent advancements in exposure assessments have aided our understanding on the size distribution and composition of these bioaerosols, but investigations focusing solely on exposures may overlook important intrinsic factors impacting worker's susceptibility to disease. RECENT FINDINGS In our review, we discuss the most recent studies examining the exposures and genetic factors that contribute to occupational disease in dairy work. We also review more recent concerns in livestock work associated with zoonotic pathogens, antimicrobial resistant genes, and the role of the human microbiome. The studies highlighted in this review demonstrate the need for further research to better understand bioaerosol exposure-response relationships in the context of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, antibiotic-resistant genes, viral pathogens, and the human microbiome to help inform effective interventions that improve respiratory health among dairy farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Seidel
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1681, USA
| | - S Magzamen
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1681, USA
| | - Y H Wang
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1681, USA
| | - V Neujahr
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1681, USA
| | - J W Schaeffer
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1681, USA.
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Leibler JH, Abdelgadir A, Seidel J, White RF, Johnson WE, Reynolds SJ, Gray GC, Schaeffer JW. Influenza D virus exposure among US cattle workers: A call for surveillance. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:166-170. [PMID: 36370131 PMCID: PMC10099784 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Although cattle are a reservoir for influenza D virus (IDV), little is known about human exposure to IDV. We assessed IDV exposure and associated health effects among United States dairy workers, a population at heightened risk of cattle zoonoses. In prospective, cross-shift sampling of 31 workers employed at five large-herd dairy operations in two states, we found evidence of IDV in the nasal washes of 67% of participants at least once during the 5-day study period. IDV exposure was not associated with respiratory symptoms in these workers. These findings suggest that IDV is present in dairy cattle environments and can result in worker exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica H Leibler
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anfal Abdelgadir
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - James Seidel
- High Plains Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Roberta F White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - W Evan Johnson
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen J Reynolds
- High Plains Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Gregory C Gray
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Joshua W Schaeffer
- High Plains Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Serya H, El-Helaly M, Mosbah El-Diasty M, Al-Wehedy A, Elsherbeny E. Respiratory Findings in Herd Dairy Farmworkers from the Nile Delta Region. LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2023; 114:e2023004. [PMID: 36790408 PMCID: PMC9987471 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v114i1.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dairy farmworkers are exposed to a variety of respiratory hazards, including organic and inorganic dust, allergens, disinfectants, and gases emitted by cows and their wastes resulting in a range of adverse health effects. In Egypt, large herd dairy farms (>1000 cattle) are growing in both size and number and thereby more workers are employed. However, there is a lack of studies on the respiratory health status of these workers. Accordingly, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of respiratory problems, assess ventilatory functions, and highlight the predictors of abnormal spirometry patterns among Egyptian dairy farmworkers. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out on 282 male workers, of whom 141 were dairy farmworkers and the other 141, not involved in livestock handling, were enrolled as controls. Full history, clinical examination, and ventilatory function measurements were done for both groups. RESULTS Dairy farmworkers had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms (throat irritation and/or sore throat, cough, sputum production, and difficulty breathing) than controls as well as bronchitis, wheezes on chest auscultation, and obstructive ventilatory patterns. Older age (>37 years), longer smoking duration (>10 years), and longer working duration (>4 years) were independent predictors of abnormal spirometry patterns, particularly obstructive patterns, in dairy farmworkers. CONCLUSIONS Large herd dairy farms, despite being open and naturally ventilated, are hazardous to workers' respiratory health. Hence, the provision of personal protective equipment, periodic spirometry examinations as well as mandatory breaks and days off, are highly urged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Serya
- Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health at Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed El-Helaly
- Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health at Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.
| | | | - Adel Al-Wehedy
- Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health at Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.
| | - Enas Elsherbeny
- Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health at Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.
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Erlandson G, Magzamen S, Sharp JL, Mitra S, Jones K, Poole JA, Bradford M, Nonnenmann M, Reynolds SJ, Schaeffer JW. Preliminary investigation of a hypertonic saline nasal rinse as a hygienic intervention in dairy workers. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2023; 20:14-22. [PMID: 36260509 PMCID: PMC10958439 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2022.2137297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Livestock workers experience an increased burden of bioaerosol-induced respiratory disease including a high prevalence of rhinosinusitis. Dairy operations generate bioaerosols spanning the inhalable size fraction (0-100 μm) containing bacterial constituents such as endotoxin. Particles with an aerodynamic diameter between 10 and 100 μm are known to deposit in the nasopharyngeal region and likely affect the upper respiratory tract. We evaluated the effectiveness of a hypertonic saline nasal lavage in reducing inflammatory responses in dairy workers from a high-volume dairy operation. Inhalable personal breathing zone samples and pre-/post-shift nasal lavage samples from each participant over five consecutive days were collected. The treatment group (n = 5) received hypertonic saline while the control group (n = 5) received normotonic saline. Personal breathing zone samples were analyzed for particulate concentrations and endotoxin using gravimetric and enzymatic methods, respectively. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α) were measured from nasal lavage samples using a multiplex assay. Inhalable dust concentrations ranged from 0.15 to 1.9 mg/m3. Concentrations of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, specifically IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, were significantly higher in the treatment group compared to the control group (p < 0.02, p < 0.04, and p < 0.01, respectively). Further analysis of IL-10 anti-inflammatory indicates a positive association between hypertonic saline administration and IL-10 production. This pilot study demonstrates that hypertonic saline nasal lavages were successful in upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokines to support larger interventional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Erlandson
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Sheryl Magzamen
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Julia L Sharp
- Department of Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Sanchayita Mitra
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kenneth Jones
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Campus, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jill A Poole
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mary Bradford
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Matthew Nonnenmann
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Stephen J Reynolds
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Denver, Colorado
- High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Joshua W Schaeffer
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Denver, Colorado
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Holm SM, Balmes JR. Systematic Review of Ozone Effects on Human Lung Function, 2013 through 2020. Chest 2021; 161:190-201. [PMID: 34389296 PMCID: PMC8783034 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.2170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ozone effects on lung function are particularly important to understand in the context of the air pollution-health outcomes epidemiologic literature, given the complex relationships between ozone and other air pollutants with known lung function effects. Research Question What has been learned about the association between ozone exposures and lung function from epidemiology studies published from 2013 through 2020? Study Design and Methods On March 18, 2018, and September 8, 2020, PubMed was searched using the terms health AND ozone, filtering to articles in English and about humans, from 2013 or later. An additional focused review searching for ozone AND (lung function OR FEV1OR FVC) was performed June 26, 2021. Articles were selected for this review if they reported a specific relationship between a lung function outcome and ozone exposure. Results Of 3,271 articles screened, 53 ultimately met criteria for inclusion. A systematic review with assessment of potential for bias was conducted, but a meta-analysis was not carried out because of differences in exposure duration and outcome quantification. Consistent evidence exists of small decreases in children’s lung function, even associated with very low levels of short-term ozone exposure. The effects on adult lung function from exposure to low-level, short-term ozone are less clear, although ozone-associated decrements may occur in the elderly. Finally, long-term ozone exposure decreases both lung function and lung function growth in children, although few new studies have examined long-term ozone and lung function in adults. Interpretation Much of this literature involves concentrations below the current US Environmental Protection Agency’s National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 70 parts per billion over an 8-h averaging time, suggesting that this current standard may not protect children adequately from ozone-related decrements in lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Holm
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, University of California, San Francisco, CA; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
| | - John R Balmes
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, University of California, San Francisco, CA; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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