Introduction
This review presents the most recent evidence on the occurrence of adverse health effects related to common agricultural practices
applied in livestock farming.
Methods
A thorough literature review was conducted among published studies on the health risks associated with animal farming from
1995 to 2006.
Results
An increased risk of injuries, musculoskeletal and respiratory disorders for animal breeders is suggested. Numerous studies
also suggest a potential association between animal farmer as a profession and an increased risk of malignancies, mental and
skin disorders. Infectious diseases, considered occupational in the livestock breeding industry, should be viewed from a general
perspective as a serious threat to public health.
Conclusion
This study indicates the need to monitor this diverse occupational setting in an efficient way in order to form effective
policy interventions to control the mortality and morbidity patterns among animal breeders.
Keywords Agriculture - Livestock - Animals - Health risks - Occupational health - Review