Microbial Aerosols in Livestock Farming Environment: A Threat That Cannot Be Ignored

Abstract

Under modern intensive and large-scale animal farming practices, the high animal density and confined spaces have progressively elevated the risk of disease transmission while complicating epidemic prevention and control. Current estimates indicate that over 70% of animal disease risks stem from viral infections, primarily transmitted via aerosol pathways. Such aerosol-mediated transmission not only triggers concentrated disease outbreaks within farms but also endangers farm workers and adjacent environments, thereby amplifying prevention challenges and substantially impeding the sustainable development of livestock industries. Therefore, this review systematically expounds the sources, hazards, and influencing factors of microbial aerosols in livestock farming environments. Furthermore, it proposes targeted prevention and control measures to address these challenges, aiming to provide theoretical and practical insights for enhancing disease prevention and promoting the healthy development of the livestock industry.