Socio-ecological Factors of Zoonotic Diseases Exposure in Colorado Dairy Workers

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Zoonotic pathogens on dairy farms are a known risk for people who work and live there. Exposure and/or transmission of Salmonella serovars, E. coli (O157; H7), Campylobacter jejuni, and Cryptosporidium parvum have been documented to occur in the dairy farm environment. Social ecological factors have been identified as determinants of preventive behaviors of people at risk of infectious diseases.

Methods: This study described the effect of socio-ecological factors on selected zoonotic bacterial and protozoal diseases in 42 workers of two dairy farms.

Results: Occupational exposure to Salmonella ser. Dublin, E. coli, and Campylobacter spp. was confirmed. Self-efficacy and negative workplace perceptions were risk factors for Salmonella Dublin exposure (OR = 1.43[95% CI 1.11–2.22] & 1.22 [95% CI 1.02–1.53] respectively,). Additionally, safety knowledge and risk perceptions were protective factors of exposure (OR = 0.90 [95% CI 0.79–1.00]). Positive perceptions of supervisors and coworkers was a protective factor of Campylobacter exposure (OR = 0.89 [95% CI 0.79–0.98]).

Conclusion: Results indicated that the presence of a supporting organizational environment, good communication with supervisors and coworkers, and training on prevention of zoonotic diseases would potentially reduce occupational exposures to zoonotic diseases on these farms.

KEYWORDS:

• Socio-ecological factors
• zoonoses
• dairy
• risk
• workers
• principal component analysis

Acknowledgments

This study was supported in part with funds from the High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (HICAHS) Pilot/Feasibility Research Projects grants program CDC/NIOSH with grant number U54.OH0008085. Special thanks to the farm managers, supervisors, and workers who collaborated in this study. The study would not have been possible without the contribution from the co-researchers, experts, and advisers who kindly shared their expertise, experience, knowledge, and wisdom on the development, implementation, and interpretation of this research study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was partially supported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC-NIOSH) through the High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health & Safety (HICAHS) pilot projects grant (5 U54OH008085-16-00).