Farm Workers Research Articles (Page 1)

ABSTRACT Objectives This study aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to pesticide use among women, and to study the association between these variables, education and work experience in large horticultural farms in rural areas of northern Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 171 women farmers, using a validated KAP model questionnaire, including socio-demographic information and farm practices. Results Pesticide knowledge among 133 (77.8%) women farmers was poor. Of the participants, 68% showed concern about pesticide use and adverse effects on human health, and 49.7% reported poor to moderate practices. Farmers with higher education had better knowledge and practice scores. There was a positive partial correlation between knowledge scores and years of work experience (r = 0.202, p = .023) and a positive partial correlation between practice and attitude scores (r = 0.213, p = .005), when controlling for age. Conclusion While knowledge levels about pesticides were low among women farm workers, attitudes and practices related to pesticide use were higher. More studies are needed to determine the level of training needed among these workers. This information can aid employers and local government officials in work for reducing pesticide intoxication among women working in horticultural farms, through education, motivation, and support.

BackgroundCrimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a potential high-threat zoonotic disease caused by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Transmission of CCHFV occurs primarily through bites of infected Hyalomma ticks or direct contact with infected animals or humans. This study presents a cross-sectional assessment of CCHFV seroprevalence and risk factors associated with occupational and environmental exposures among cattle, swine, and agricultural workers.MethodsNine provinces across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) were selected and collection took place from June 2023 to July 2024. Five herds per species in each province were randomly visited, and at each facility or herd, up to 20 animals were chosen for serum sampling and attached tick collection. In five provinces, farm workers present on the day of collection were enrolled. Detection of anti-CCHFV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies was assessed via an in-house nucleoprotein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsAmong the 1,118 cattle surveyed across nine provinces 57.0% (95%CI: 54.1-59.9%) were seroreactive. Cattle from two provinces in the southeast, Tanganyika and Lualaba, had 94.6% (95%CI: 89.9-99.2%) and 90.7% (95%CI: 84.9-96.5%) reactivity, respectively. Among the 1,020 swine surveyed 13.4% (95%CI: 11.1-15.2%) were seroreactive. Among the 180 agricultural workers surveyed, 12.8% (95%CI: 7.9-17.6%) were seroreactive for CCHF antibodies.ConclusionsThis serologic survey indicated that CCHFV is circulating in the DRC and the southeast provinces are particularly at risk for spillover and morbidity among humans. Though no human cases have been reported since 2008, surveillance for CCHF should be considered among veterinary professional and healthcare workers.

IntroductionFrequent human-cattle interactions in high-density livestock regions expose farm workers to a significant risk of traumatic accidents, which range from minor to severe and life-threatening injuries. This study aimed to assess the incidence, mechanisms, and clinical impact of cattle-related injuries in a high-livestock-density area to inform preventive and healthcare strategies.MethodsThis monocentric retrospective observational study was conducted at Santa Croce e Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy, between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2024. All patients aged ≥18 y presenting to the emergency department with cattle-related trauma were included. Injury severity was assessed using the Injury Severity Score (ISS), need for total-body computed tomography, intensive care unit admission, and 30-d mortality.ResultsA total of 182 patients (male:female ratio 4.5) were included, with a median age of 55 y (interquartile range, 45-64). The primary injury mechanisms were kicks (43.4%), charges (29.1%), and trampling (9.9%). Most cases (67.6%) were low priority at triage; 5.5% required intensive care unit admission. The median ISS was 1 (interquartile range, 1-4), and 3.3% had an ISS of >15. No trauma-related mortality was observed within 30 d.ConclusionsCattle-related injuries pose a substantial burden on farm workers and healthcare services; injuries range from minor to severe trauma. Given the high-energy potential of cattle-related impacts, improved safety measures and specific clinical management protocols are warranted to mitigate risks and enhance occupational safety in agricultural settings.

Background and Objectives: Avian influenza poses a continuous public health threat, particularly to individuals with occupational exposure to poultry such as farm workers, live animal market employees, and processing plant staff. This study aimed to investigate the systemic metabolic effects of such exposure and to identify potential biomarkers for early detection and health risk assessment. Materials and Methods: An untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics approach was applied to analyze serum samples from occupationally exposed individuals and healthy controls. Multivariate statistical analysis, pathway enrichment, and topology analysis were performed to identify significantly altered metabolites and metabolic pathways. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was employed to select key metabolites. Results: Multivariate statistical analysis revealed a clear separation between the exposure group and control, suggesting distinct metabolic profiles between the two populations. Pathway analysis indicated significant alterations in alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, as well as tryptophan metabolism, which are closely linked to immune regulation, energy metabolism, and host–pathogen interactions. LASSO feature selection and subsequent manual verification identified 17 key metabolites with strong discriminative power. Furthermore, lipidomic profiling revealed a pronounced increase in lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) levels and a concurrent decrease in phosphatidylcholine (PC) species in exposed individuals. Conclusions: This study reveals metabolic disruptions associated with occupational avian influenza exposure and identifies potential serum biomarkers related to immune and lipid metabolism. These findings provide novel insights into host responses to avian influenza exposure and may support early detection and health risk assessment in high-risk occupational populations.

Background: Motion sickness (MS) represents a significant occupational health challenge in offshore wind farm operations, particularly where crew transfer vessels (CTV) are used to transport personnel to turbines. The transfer of workers from vessel to turbine is recognised as a high-risk operation, and in practice vessels are often returned to shore if workers report vomiting or nausea. This practice has cost implications for wind farm operators. Materials and Methods: This study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the prevalence, health effects, and behavioural dimensions of MS among offshore wind farm workers. Data were collected through an online survey, semi-structured interviews with offshore workers, and observational voyages on CTV on the west coast of Denmark. Results: Operational procedures concerning MS are frequently absent or vague. Where rules do exist, vomiting is often treated as pathognomonic of MS and serves as the threshold for aborting transfers. This reinforces a narrow construct of MS that neglects subjective symptoms which may impair performance. Practices and cultural influences appear to stigmatise disclosure of MS unless symptoms are sufficiently severe that the worker has no choice but to disclose. Organisational rules often limit the use of pharmacological treatments due to perceived or actual side effects, without necessarily being backed by data. Such rules are often not sufficiently clear for workers, restricting options and agency. The absence of MS mitigation training presents a gap in operational practice which should be addressed. Reporting MS appears to undermine worker status, wellbeing, and potentially job security. Conclusions: Exposure to vessel motion is likely to increase with the move to larger turbines, the expansion of floating offshore wind, and older wind farms requiring more frequent maintenance. This study highlights the need for further understanding of and strategies addressing both the physiological and sociocultural aspects of MS in the offshore wind sector.

Abstract The increasing Spanish-speaking population in the United States (18.5%) highlights a critical challenge: language barriers between Spanish-speaking farmworkers and English-speaking veterinarians, impacting communication, animal welfare, and farm productivity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture (SSPA) courses and related internships in enhancing communication skills and animal welfare knowledge among veterinary and animal science students working in Spanish-speaking farm environments. A preliminary survey identifies communication gaps among non-Spanish-speaking and bilingual animal professionals, guiding the course development. With a collaborative effort of three institutions, three SSPA courses were developed and implemented, followed by six week on-farm internships where English-speaking students presented twelve topics (Euthanasia, Acts of Abuse, Animal Handling, Biosecurity, Animal Health, Records, Feeding and Water Intake, Lameness, Transport, Housing, Mortality, Behavior) to farmworkers in Spanish according to their specific specie: beef cattle, swine, poultry, or dairy. Student performance was assessed via course scores, while farmworkers’ knowledge was evaluated using pre- and post-intervention surveys and feedback. The data from these surveys were analyzed using the McNemar Test to examine changes in categorical responses and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test to evaluate differences in ordinal data, providing a comprehensive analysis of knowledge improvements. Despite challenges such as the lack of course credits and academic workload, the course completion rate of SSPA was 53.62%, higher than in similar studies. Post-intervention results demonstrated significant improvements in farm workers’ knowledge and practices across topics such as Euthanasia, Animal Handling, Biosecurity, and Transport. Although not all questions reached statistical significance, 84% of the questions showed positive changes in the post-survey, further highlighting the overall effectiveness of the intervention. The study also revealed that farmworkers’ education level influenced training effectiveness, underscoring the need to tailor programs for those with higher education, particularly university degrees in Veterinary and Animal Sciences from their home countries. This study shows that SSPA courses, combined with hands-on internships, can effectively address language barriers in farm settings. Moving forward, this project plans to expand its reach through the development of an app and an online platform, making the SSPA courses accessible to the broader agricultural industry, and further enhancing communication and animal welfare practices across diverse farm settings.

Abstract Postmortem examinations are a crucial diagnostic tool for disease management, surveillance, and production management of animals for food consumption. Despite their importance, there is limited evidence regarding required skills and the frequency with which they are performed on farms. This study examines the beliefs, challenges, and constraints surrounding postmortem examinations on feedlots and dairy farms located in and around the Texas Panhandle. The hypothesis is that addressing identified barriers will enable targeted training resulting in increased frequency and quality of postmortem procedures. Participants are recruited using convenience sampling and include managers or workers involved in the postmortem process on 25 feedlots and 25 dairy farms. We developed a 22-item semi-structured survey to gather essential information including job responsibilities, level of experience with postmortem procedures, training in personal protective equipment (PPE), use of digital technologies, reporting methods, perceived challenges and recommendations for improvement. The survey includes multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions, allowing for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. Survey results will inform the development of an online communication training intervention which will be delivered along with an educational module on field postmortem examinations. Statistical analysis will follow a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive and inferential analyses using R software version 2024.12.0 with qualitative analyses conducted in NVivo version 15. Qualitative thematic analysis will identify themes related to postmortem examination practice and reporting. Pilot data from a preliminary study conducted with veterinary students will be presented, along with survey data from recruited farm participants. The findings will highlight prevalent barriers as well as guide training programs aimed at improving the adoption of postmortem examination procedures.

Less is more? Differences of social impacts on farm workers in short/long agricultural supply chains in Spain

Abstract Issue Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonotic disease transmitted through inhalation of contaminated aerosols from livestock. Gippsland, a rural region in south-eastern Victoria, is home to significant dairy and agricultural activity. The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU) managed a Q fever outbreak across three interconnected goat farms from 2024 to 2025. This investigation aimed to identify gaps in outbreak prevention and coordination and inform One Health preparedness in agricultural settings. Description of the problem An outbreak investigation was conducted among 57 at-risk individuals across three goat farms. Confirmed cases were identified via serology and PCR. Active case finding detected undiagnosed cases among farm workers and household contacts. WorkSafe conducted workplace assessments, and Agriculture Victoria provided livestock movement data to support epidemiological investigation. Results Twenty-four confirmed cases were identified (attack rate: 42.1%), of whom 22 (91.7%) were symptomatic and five (20.1%) were hospitalised. Most cases (62.5%) were male, with a median age of 29 years (range: 19-56); none had prior Q fever vaccination. GRPHU arranged post-outbreak vaccination for six individuals through local general practices. The investigation identified challenges in coordinating a One Health response, balancing public and occupational health priorities, and addressing vaccination gaps. Testing delays impeded timely case identification. Communication barriers and unclear inter-agency roles complicated response efforts. PPE use and vaccination promotion were limited by logistical and cost barriers. Lessons This outbreak highlights the need to strengthen coordination between human and animal health sectors. Enhanced surveillance, integration of occupational health into farm biosecurity, and improved access to Q fever vaccination for high-risk workers are critical to future prevention efforts. Key messages • Stronger interagency co-ordination is essential to managing Q fever outbreaks in high risk agricultural settings. • Targeted surveillance and expanded vaccination access strengthen the response.

Global use of the Environmental Impact Quotient: A tool to indicate potential pesticide risk.

Review: Attracting and retaining a farm workforce for the pork industry.

Pesticides are essential for controlling pests and enhancing agricultural productivity; however, their misuse poses significant health risks to rural farm workers, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). This study explores the factors influencing farmers' intentions to adopt safe pesticide handling practices in Awi Zone of northwest Ethiopia, utilizing the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2024 in Awi Zone, involving 603 participants selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using the KoboCollect toolbox and exported to SPSS version-23 for analysis. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses performed to identify factors related to pesticide handling practices, and we are Implemented the (HBM) to evaluate behavioral influences on farmers' intentions to adopt safe pesticide handling practices. The study found that 40.6% of farm workers were practice safe handling of pesticide. The factors included education level, with farmers who had primary education or higher being 1.97 times more likely to practice safe handling (OR = 1.97, 95% CI (1.33, 2.9)) compared to illiterate farmers. Those with easy access to safety materials were 1.82 times more likely to practice safe handling (OR = 1.82, 95% CI (1.24, 2.67)). Additionally, farm workers participating in workshops were also 1.97 times more likely to practice safe handling (OR = 1.97, 95% CI (1.33, 2.9)), and those with good knowledge were 1.73 times more likely to do so (OR = 1.73, 95% CI (1.2, 2.5)) from their counterparts. Moreover, HBM components were significant predictors of farm workers intention on safe handling practice. From this, Perceived benefit and cue to action had positive whereas perceived barrier had a negative relation with their intention. Safe handling practices among farmers in the study area were found to be low. Thus, it is crucial to emphasize education and training, ensure easy access to safety materials, and enhance knowledge to promote safe practices. Additionally, focusing on perceived benefits and cues to action while addressing perceived barriers, as per the Health Belief Model, is essential. Targeted interventions and regulatory enhancements are necessary for effectively improving safety practices among farmers.

Poultry farming, while crucial for food security, often generates significant environmental pollution, impacting both human health and ecosystems. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between poultry waste management practices, the resulting odor, and their effects on human health and the environment. Specifically, the study aimed to assess knowledge and perceptions of poultry farmers regarding odor management and to measure the environmental pollutants associated with poultry farming. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 192 poultry farmers, farm workers, and nearby residents. Additionally, water, soil, and air samples were collected from farm surroundings for laboratory analysis to measure pollutants such as ammonia, nitrogen, phosphorus, and pathogenic microorganisms. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed using SPSS22 to analyze the data. The study found that the majority of respondents were male (76.5%), with significant variation across local government areas (p=0.039). Most respondents were aged 36-45 years (34.2%), with significant age-related differences (p=0.002). Married individuals constituted 89.5% of the sample, showing significant variation (p=0.030). Tertiary education was reported by 44.7% of respondents, though this was not statistically significant (p=0.066). Also, the most common odor reduction technique was aluminum sulfate (90 users for ammonia), with significant differences in effectiveness (p<0.05). The rake, shovel, and trowel were used by 71.1% of respondents, with no significant association between equipment and bird management systems (χ²=12.016, p=0.062). Composting was the most common disposal method (44.7%), with a significant association with management systems (χ²=118.479, p=0.001). 64.5% of respondents aware of pollution were members of poultry establishments, showing a significant association (χ²=7.748, p=0.021). Moderate positive correlations were found between environmental impacts and biological health hazards (ρ=0.405, p=0.012). Physical health hazards showed a significant correlation with environmental impact (ρ=0.335, p=0.040). The study highlights significant relationships between poultry waste management practices and environmental pollution. Effective waste disposal methods and increased awareness among poultry farmers are crucial for mitigating adverse health and environmental impacts. The findings emphasize the need for improved management strategies and educational initiatives to address pollution from poultry industries.

School dropouts are a social phenomenon in which a school-aged child stops attending school or no longer receives formal aducation in a school setting. There are 25 school-aged children who have dropped out of elementary school in Teluk Jira Village Tempuling Subdistrict Indragiri Hilir Regency from 2019 to 2023. This study was conducted to understand the family profiles of dropout children and to identify the causes of school dropouts. Using a qualitative research method, the study was carried out in Teluk Jira Village with the research subjects being the families of dropout children, and the sample selection was done using purposive sampling. Data collection techniques included interviews, observation, and documentation, while data analysis techniques involved data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results revealed that the families of dropout children in Teluk Jira Village are from lower-middle socioeconomic backgrounds, with an average education level of not completing elementary school, and working as farmers or farm laborers. There are six factors contributing to school dropouts in Teluk Jira Village: poverty, lack of parental support, low learning motivation, difficult access to school, laziness, and peer influence.

ABSTRACT Understanding farm labor contractors to be central agents of exploitation in the California fields, the United Farm Workers demanded hiring hall provisions be included when it started winning contracts in the 1960s. Hiring halls were a crucial means for gaining control over the labor supply and thus a means for significantly decasualizing farm labor. Growers fought back, seeking to protect their traditional control over hiring. A multifaceted class struggle thus evolved, one in which the role of the state was also always important. This paper traces this struggle, showing how histories of the UFW, while noting the importance of the hiring hall to the fate of the union, underestimate both the significant challenges the union faced in running its halls and the intensity of the class struggle within which the halls operated. This article clarifies why and how the hiring hall became an important flashpoint in UFW’s two-decade-long effort to unionize farmworkers, why it was so strongly resisted by growers, the role the state played in mediating this conflict, and, finally, the ways in which the UFW ultimately failed in its quest to wrestle control over the labor supply from growers and their allied farm labor contractors.

Molecular epidemiology and cross-species transmission risk of Enterocytozoon bieneusi between humans and livestock: Evidence from Lishui, China

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo describe the pattern and estimated direct economic burdens associated with unintentional deaths and injuries on Australian farms over the past 11 years (2013–2023).DesignDescriptive retrospective epidemiological study of National Coronial Information System (NCIS) data for persons fatally injured on a farm and workers' compensation injuries data from the National Data Set.SettingAustralia.ParticipantsAll agricultural cases involving fatal injury events and those being injured accessing workers compensation.Main Outcome MeasuresNature of fatal and injury events, with estimates on the economic costs associated with deaths and workers' compensation injury claims costs.ResultsThere were 748 farm fatalities, with 544 (73%) being work‐related. From these, 513 (94%) of the cases occurred in males, with almost half (48%) in farmers aged 60 years or older. The leading agents for fatalities were tractors (n = 118), quad‐bikes (n = 117) and farm utilities (n = 52). Costs for all fatalities (work and non‐work), approached $1.8 billion in the 2013‐2023 period (~$164 million per year). Work‐related fatalities accounted for $1.24 billion of this total, with an annual cost of approximately $112 million. There were around 5000 workers' compensation injury claims processed per year during 2013–2021, costing over $1.5 billion (~$190 million per year).ConclusionThe costs for all on‐farm injury deaths and workers' compensation injury claims conjointly during the period of 2013–2023, includes a conservative annual estimate of $355 million per year. Of this sum, approximately $300 million involved work‐related incidents. Although there is a modest progression in reducing farm deaths and injuries, targeted and evidence‐based approaches are required to stimulate improvements in these preventable incidents.

This investigation highlights the importance of adopting ethical and sustainable practices in chicken farming, in response to the increasing global demand for poultry products driven by the expanding world population. How ambient gases, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrous oxide (N2O), ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4), affect the welfare of farm workers and poultry is investigated. The use of various gas sensor technologies is crucial for effective management and monitoring of these gases. The research emphasizes the vital importance of precise gas concentration measurements in mitigating environmental impact. It is noteworthy that there is a closely intertwined relationship between CO2 levels and chicken health, requiring vigilant monitoring and care. There are potential risks associated with NH3 exposure, and waste management and ventilation practices are necessary. Furthermore, the contribution of CH4 sensors to environmental sustainability and safety is addressed. The review also examines H2S emissions, providing mitigation strategies to safeguard avian health. This study identifies an important gap between the limited use of commercially available Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) sensors in the commercial Internet of Things (IoT) systems for poultry farms and their potential to detect a wider range of chemical gases. The pivotal role played by gas sensors in these sustainable efforts is highlighted.

Workers in food processing industries are subject to many occupational health risks and disparities, but little is known about their risk of tickborne diseases. We examined a cohort of Latino individuals working in the meat packing, produce processing, and farming industries and their family members in central North Carolina, where incidence of tickborne infections is high. Blood samples were tested for IgG antibodies against Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis (SFGR) and Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Covariates of interest included age, sex, primary language, work industry, indoor vs. outdoor work, home characteristics, medical comorbidities, and travel history. Among 201 Latino food processing workers and their family members, the seroprevalence of SFGR and Ehrlichia was 14.9% and 19.9%, respectively. Almost a third of participants were seropositive for at least one infection. SFGR seropositive individuals were significantly older than seronegative individuals (median 45 [interquartile range 35–55] vs. 33 [14–45] years, p < 0.001), while Ehrlichia seropositivity appeared to have a bimodal distribution by age, with peaks in children under age 10 and adults in their forties and fifties. Farm workers had higher seroprevalence of SFGR (25.0%) than other workers (13.5%), although this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.13). Having a seropositive household member for either infection was a risk factor for seropositivity for the same infection, adjusted for age and household clustering (adjusted OR [aOR] 8.26, 95% CI [confidence interval] 3.27-20.90 for SFGR; aOR 11.24, 95% CI 4.24-29.80 for Ehrlichia). Seroprevalence for SFGR and Ehrlichia was similar between index workers and household members when adjusted for age. Our findings indicate that Latino food processing communities in North Carolina have high exposure to tickborne disease, and older age and having seropositive household members are key risk factors.

Non-dietary personal pesticide exposure using silicone wristbands across 10 European countries.