What is known about zoonotic bacteria in cattle and pig farms, and what should be done to prevent occupational infections

Abstract

About 60% of all human infectious diseases originate and spread from animals. These zoonotic infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, and they can be transmitted by inhalation, direct or indirect contact, ingestion or different vectors (insects or mites). Some of them are very dangerous and impose great economic burdens, particularly in tropical regions. Today, due to global warming, several microorganisms are expanding across new geographical ranges and emerging in zones where they had previously been absent. Farmers are among the people who interact the most with animals. Indeed, animal farmers work in close contact with animals and are therefore exposed to many potential pathogenic microorganisms every day. The present chapter will review the zoonotic bacteria encountered most frequently in animal farms over the last 10 years. The emphasis will be on explaining which types of risks are present in which types of animal farms. Recommendations on preventing and managing those risks will be discussed. This chapter will not treat the issues of virus and parasite transmission, nor the risks associated with poultry farming.