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Updated: Jul 15, 2025
Composition and Distribution Analysis of Bioaerosols Under Different Environmental Conditions
Published on: January 7, 2019
Poultry house as point source of intense bioaerosol emission
Rafał L Górny1, Małgorzata Gołofit-Szymczak1, Marcin Cyprowski1
1Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB), Warsaw, Poland.
Introduction And Objective:
Intensive poultry farming is usually associated with massive exposure to organic dust, which is largely composed of microbiological origin particulates. The aim of the study is to assess occupational and environmental exposures to airborne bacteria, fungi, and Marek's disease virus emitted by a poultry house.
Material And Methods:
The concentrations of airborne microorganisms in a poultry house and its vicinity (250-500 m) at 3 different stages of the production cycle (i.e. empty poultry house, with 7-day-old and 42-day-old chickens) were stationary measured using Andersen and MAS impactors, as well as Coriolis and BioSampler impingers. The collected microbiota was taxonomically identified using molecular and biochemical techniques to characterize occupational exposure and its spatial dissemination.
Results:
Although Marek's disease virus was not present in the tested air samples, the appearance of reared chickens in the poultry house resulted in an increase in airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations up to levels of 1.26 × 108 CFU/m3 and 3.77 × 104 CFU/m3, respectively. These pollutants spread around through the ventilation system, but their concentrations significantly decreased at a distance of 500 m from the chicken coop. A part of the identified microbiota was pathogens that were successfully isolated from the air by all 4 tested samplers.
Conclusions:
The poultry house employees were exposed to high concentrations of airborne microorganisms, including pathogens that may lead to adverse health outcomes. To protect them, highly efficient hygienic and technical measures regarding the poultry house interior and its ventilation, respectively, should be introduced to prevent both unwanted pollution and subsequent emission of microbial contaminants during intensive chicken breeding.
Insights
Intensive poultry farming significantly increases airborne bacteria and fungi, posing health risks to workers. Marek's disease virus was not detected, but airborne pathogens were present and spread via ventilation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Occupational health
- Poultry science
Background:
- Intensive poultry farming generates significant organic dust, primarily microbial particulates.
- Occupational exposure to airborne contaminants is a major concern in poultry production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess occupational and environmental exposure to airborne bacteria, fungi, and Marek's disease virus in poultry houses.
- To characterize the spatial dissemination and taxonomic identification of emitted microbiota.
Main Methods:
- Airborne microorganism concentrations were measured using Andersen and MAS impactors, and Coriolis and BioSampler impingers.
- Sampling occurred at different production stages (empty, 7-day-old, 42-day-old chickens) and distances (250-500m).
- Microbiota was identified using molecular and biochemical techniques.
Main Results:
- Airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations increased significantly with chicken presence, reaching up to 1.26 × 10^8 CFU/m^3 and 3.77 × 10^4 CFU/m^3.
- Marek's disease virus was not detected in air samples.
- Pathogenic microorganisms were identified and successfully isolated from air samples, with concentrations decreasing at 500m.
Conclusions:
- Poultry house employees face high exposure to airborne microorganisms, including pathogens.
- Effective hygienic and ventilation measures are crucial to mitigate microbial contamination and protect worker health.
