Aerosol contamination from poultry production can generally be characterized as pollutants, including gases (such as ammonia), particulates (dust) and microbial pathogens suspended in the airspace within and transported from the birds’ housing or con- tainment areas. Dust from poultry operations can include feed dust, manure, feather dust, bacteria, mould spores, endotoxins, insects, insect parts and ammonia absorbed in dust. The transport of aerosols can be an important consideration when establishing the separation distances between poultry production facilities to reduce the risk of aerial transmission of communicable disease- transmitting microorganisms. Depending on their concentration, aerosol pollutants can be harmful to the respiratory health of birds within the containment areas, and may also be harmful to the health of workers or inhabitants living close to poultry pro- duction areas. However, at the international level, comprehensive studies regarding the human health effects of aerosols from poul- try operations are lacking.
