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Distribution of airborne bacteria in swine housing facilities and their immediate environment
Abstract:
This paper describes a bacteriological analysis of air samples taken from swine housing facilities and the immediate environment. The air volume of the samples was pre-programmed by a standard air sampler (MAS-100, Merck) and was directly impacted onto the bacteriologic agar surface (Petri dishes, standard diameter of 90 mm). The bacterial contamination in forty-eight samples was 2.59 x 10(5) CFU/m3 (ranging from 8.46 x 10(4) to 5.30 x 10(5) CFU/m3). Potentially pathogenic bacterial agents predominated in all samples (100%), while primarily pathogenic bacteria were isolated in a minor proportion of samples (33%-66%). Airborne bacterial contamination in samples (N = 16) obtained from emptied facilities ranged from 1.8 x 10(3) CFU/m3 (that is, after coarse mechanical washing) to 0.8 x 10(2) CFU/m3 (upon completion of disinfection). Control measurements at different locations and distance from the farm (N = 32) pointed to the presence of non-pathogenic airborne bacteria, ranging from 1.55 x 10(2) to 3.70 x 10(2) CFU/m3. The results of this preliminary study showed that the emission of potentially pathogenic bacteria from animal housing facilities to the immediate farm environment via aerosol was very low.
Insights
Bacteriological analysis of swine housing revealed high levels of potentially pathogenic bacteria. However, emission to the immediate farm environment via aerosol was found to be very low in this study.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Animal husbandry science
Background:
- Swine housing facilities can be sources of airborne bacteria.
- Understanding bacterial emission is crucial for biosecurity and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify airborne bacterial contamination in swine housing and the surrounding environment.
- To identify the types of bacteria present and assess their pathogenic potential.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling using a MAS-100 air sampler impacting directly onto agar plates.
- Bacteriological analysis of 48 samples from swine facilities and 32 control samples from surrounding areas.
Main Results:
- Swine housing air showed high bacterial contamination (2.59 x 10^5 CFU/m3), predominantly potentially pathogenic bacteria.
- Emptied facilities had significantly lower contamination after washing and disinfection.
- Control samples from off-site areas contained lower levels of non-pathogenic bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Potentially pathogenic bacteria are prevalent in swine housing air.
- Aerosol emission of these bacteria to the immediate farm environment is minimal.
- Further research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.