Lessons from Dairy Farmers for Occupational Allergy and Respiratory Disease

Abstract

Purpose of review: Exposure to bioaerosols at dairies has long been associated with allergy, respiratory disease, and decreases in lung function. Recent advancements in exposure assessments have aided our understanding on the size distribution and composition of these bioaerosols, but investigations focusing solely on exposures may overlook important intrinsic factors impacting worker's susceptibility to disease.

Recent findings: In our review, we discuss the most recent studies examining the exposures and genetic factors that contribute to occupational disease in dairy work. We also review more recent concerns in livestock work associated with zoonotic pathogens, antimicrobial resistant genes, and the role of the human microbiome. The studies highlighted in this review demonstrate the need for further research to better understand bioaerosol exposure-response relationships in the context of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, antibiotic-resistant genes, viral pathogens, and the human microbiome to help inform effective interventions that improve respiratory health among dairy farmers.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Dairy workers, Bioaerosol exposures; Influenza; Microbiome; Respiratory health.

Fig. 1

The epidemiologic triangle highlighting the interconnectedness of animals, people, environment, and the potential transmission of antimicrobial resistance

Fig. 2

The presence of antibiotic resistance detected across four aerodynamic size fractions with the following cutpoints: > 30, 10 − 30, 3 − 10, and < 3 μm. These size fractions were collected using a high-volume cascade impactor capable of collecting size-segregated bioaerosol samples across the inhalable range (i.e., up to 100 μm). As such, these fractions represent particles that could potentially deposit in the pulmonary, tracheo-bronchial, and upper regions of the respiratory system. It is important to note that these data are not published