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Home / Equine Research Bank / Environ Sci Pollut Res Int / Bacterial aerosol, particulate matter, and microclimatic par...
Environmental science and pollution research international2021; 29(18); 26992-27006; doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-18142-6

Bacterial aerosol, particulate matter, and microclimatic parameters in the horse stables in Poland.

Abstract: Keeping horses in good condition requires providing them with living conditions that meet welfare requirements. These animals should be accommodated with suitable space, access to high nutritional fodder and water, and a suitable microclimate in their shelters. When it comes to the environment in the stables, a serious problem is created by particulate matter (PM), which consists of bacteria. PM concentration may be responsible for developing multiple lower respiratory tract diseases in horses, including allergies and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). In turn, these ailments may lead to decreasing equine physical and mental fitness. Additionally, people who spend time in the stables are exposed to the same harmful factors. The study was conducted in Udórz Stud Farm located in the southern region of Poland. The study was carried out in 2 different types of stables: 3 runners (a type of stable where horses are housed together and occasionally linked up, e.g., for feeding or grooming) and 2 box stables. The research continued for 2 years and the samples were collected in each season. The bioaerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen-Graseby cascade impactor to assess size distribution and concentrations of airborne bacteria. PM concentration was analyzed using the DustTrak™ II Aerosol Monitor 8530, while microclimate parameters were measured using the Kestrel 5000 Weather Meter. There are almost no studies concerning size distribution of airborne bacteria, individual PM fractions, and the impact of everyday handling on the changes in the bioaerosol and PM concentration. This preliminary study provided basic information on this subject. We have revealed a strong correlation between high PM and bacterial aerosol concentrations. Higher contamination levels were recorded in runners, as compared to box stables. The highest bacterial aerosol level was detected in the spring. The analysis of the fractions of the bacterial aerosol in the stables indicated the highest share of ultra-fine fraction (0.65-2.1 µm), while respirable fraction (below 4.7 µm) exceeded 75%. It was established that the concentration of the bacterial aerosol inside the stables was many times higher than outside. It depended significantly on everyday activities undertaken in the stables, like feeding or cleaning. Taking the above into account, a different cleaning system should be developed (a wet cleaning system, with the use of water) and excrement should be removed more frequently.
© 2021. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2021-12-18 PubMed ID: 34921652PubMed Central: PMC8990930DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18142-6Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research focused on the impact of bacterial aerosol, particulate matter, and microclimatic conditions in horse stables in Poland on the health of the horses and humans. The study revealed a strong correlation between high particulate matter and bacterial aerosol levels, impacting respiratory health, and suggested new cleaning practices to improve sanitary conditions.

Research Settings and Methods

  • The study took place in Udórz Stud Farm in the southern region of Poland, involving two different types of stables: 3 “runners” (where horses live communally) and 2 box stables (which house individual horses).
  • The two-year-long research involved seasonal sample collection, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the conditions prevailing throughout different seasons.
  • The bacterial aerosol samples were collected using an Anderson-Graseby cascade impactor to evaluate the concentration and size distribution of airborne bacteria.
  • For assessing the concentration of particulate matter, the team employed the DustTrak™ II Aerosol Monitor 8530.
  • Microclimate conditions like temperature, humidity etc., were recorded using the Kestrel 5000 Weather Meter.

Key Findings

  • A strong correlation was discovered between high levels of particulate matter and bacterial aerosol, likely contributing to respiratory disorders in both horses and humans present in the stable environments.
  • Higher contamination levels were spotted in runners compared to box stables, probably due to the communal housing arrangement in the runners.
  • Seasonal variation was evident, with the highest bacterial aerosol levels recorded during spring.
  • A significant portion of the bacterial aerosol was of the ultra-fine fraction (0.65-2.1 µm) and the respirable fraction (below 4.7 µm) which is more easily inhalable, exceeded 75%, increasing the potential health risks associated with their inhalation.
  • The interior of the stables had a significantly higher bacterial aerosol concentration than the outside, with everyday activities like cleaning or feeding being major contributing factors to this phenomenon.

Recommendations

  • Introduce improved cleaning systems, like wet cleaning with more frequent use of water, and more regular removal of excrement to reduce the concentration of bacterial aerosols and particulate matter.
  • Monitor and control microclimatic conditions, thereby ensuring horse welfare and human health in the stable environment.

Cite This Article

APA
Grzyb J, Podstawski Z, Bulski K. (2021). Bacterial aerosol, particulate matter, and microclimatic parameters in the horse stables in Poland. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 29(18), 26992-27006. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-18142-6

Publication

Environmental science and pollution research international
ISSN: 1614-7499
NlmUniqueID: 9441769
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 29
Issue: 18
Pages: 26992-27006

Researcher Affiliations

Grzyb, Jacek
  • Department of Microbiology and Biomonitoring, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Mickiewicza Ave 24/28, 30-059, Kraków, Poland. jacek.grzyb@urk.edu.pl.
Podstawski, Zenon
  • Department of Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics of Animals, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Mickiewicza Ave 24/28, 30-059, Kraków, Poland.
Bulski, Karol
  • Department of Microbiology and Biomonitoring, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Mickiewicza Ave 24/28, 30-059, Kraków, Poland.

MeSH Terms

  • Aerosols / analysis
  • Animals
  • Bacteria
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Microclimate
  • Particle Size
  • Particulate Matter / analysis
  • Poland
  • Water / analysis

Grant Funding

  • 011100000-D111 / Uniwersytet Rolniczy im. Hugona Kou0142u0142u0105taja w Krakowie

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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