STUDY ON PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARDS OCCURED DUE TO UNDISPOSED POULTRY MANURE IN THE FARM

Abstract

Indiscriminate disposal of poultry manure has been identified as a major source of environmental degradation in production areas through air and water pollution associated with nitrogen and phosphorus emissions and losses from manure. Methods of disposing of poultry manure which might have negative consequences on the environment and the farmers were investigated in Rangunia Upazila, Chattogram District.Data collected using structured questionnaires as well as direct field observations from a random sample of 20 farming households showed that the commonly used methods of manure disposal are burning (87%) and application on crops (13%). Almost all of the farmers (95%) had no proper manure management facilities. Ammonia is the major air pollutant perceived by farmers in the study area. Farmers suffered from discomforts ranging from various combinations of sneezing (65%), eye irritation (38%), coughing (34%), headache (20%), stomach ache (13%) and diarrhoea (6%). Many fecal bacteria create a massive condition of zoonosis in the area. The awareness of farmers and authorities needs to be raised regarding the management of poultry manure and the need for protective equipment during its disposal. The 2 month long study helped to make awareness in the area.