Contact dermatitis and in-feed exposure to antibiotics among pig feed handlers

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of contact dermatitis among pig feed handlers, explore the association with exposure to in-feed antibiotics, and determine farmers' awareness of product safety information. One representative from each piggery in Queensland's Wide Bay Burnett Region was interviewed by telephone. Just over 21% of respondents had experienced dermatitis symptoms within the previous two years; 14.8% within the previous 12 months: and 6.7% had current symptoms. Use of at least one in-feed antibiotic was reported by 83.7%. The only antibiotic to show an association with the occurrence of dermatitis was tylosin. Precautionary behaviours were more common among those with dermatitis. Only 18% of respondents were aware of material safety data sheets. The relatively high prevalence of contact dermatitis, high use of antibiotics, low level of precautionary behaviours and poor awareness of material safety data sheets indicates a need for farmer education.