CATTLE WASTE AND THE IMPACTS OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PUBLIC HEALTH

Abstract

Cattle manure harbors microbial constituents that makes it a potential source of pollution in the environment and infections in humans. Knowledge of, and microbial assessment of, manure is crucial in a bid to prevent public health and environmental hazards through the development of better management practices and policies that should govern manure handling. This report presents information on zoonotic pathogens in animal wastes, how they contaminate the water, food and causing disease to farm workers. To assess the public health risk from cattle farm manure and other waste material, data were collected from thirty (30) dairy farms, where 10 from the Begumgonj Upazila, Noakhali and 15 from the Anowara district, Chittagong and rest of the 5 from Sitakunda Upazila, Chittagong. This study investigated manure management practices among the dairy farms in Chittagong and Noakhali district, to identify risk behaviors’ and socio-economic aspects associated with the handling of manure. The study revealed that more than 70% of the farmers did not think diseases could be transmitted from livestock manure. The study also revealed that 56% farm personnel were affected by skin problem, 4.9% by respiratory problem and 15% by some gastrointestinal problem. There is evidently a need for further knowledge support to the livestock keepers to promote good management practices.