Health effects of chicken manure?

Question

Two part question:

What are the effects of chicken manure on humans?

What if anything can be done to stop a neighbor from spreading his fields w/ manure?

(We live down wind of his field. He lives upwind. I'm out about $300 dollars in dr. bills and rx. Several of my nieghbors have been sick too. My nephew has asthma. )

Any suggestions or info?

Thank you all.

Answer 1

Have you asked your neighbor to do something about it?

I can't give you a complete answer about health effects, but this is what I found out.

Chicken manure can contain arsenic:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07067/767756-34.stm

Farm workers are known to get sick from working with manure:
http://lpe.unl.edu/pathogen3.html
(But I think chicken manure that is used as fertilizer has been composted, which may kill germs in it.)

There should be some kind of agricultural extension or public health officer in your community who can help you or possibly mediate between you and your upwind neighbor. Look in the phone book government pages or your county's website, if it has one.

Answer 2

Chicken manure is one of the best fertilizers. On a hot summer day it can get a little stinky, but most of the time it's pretty mild, in small quantities. While I am a little surprised by this question, (thinking it would be a more common complaint if it were chemical fertilizers being used ) I can recall some throat irritation from the dust that blows during the spreading.

If you are allergic to the manure dust, consider finding out what the farmer feeds his chickens. Then go to your allergist, and get checked for your allergy levels in those areas. Allergy shots can turn your life around, and help you to be nearly allergy free for years and years.

I am guessing that the farmer uses his manure spreader maybe 2 or 3 times a year? Consider spending time away from home for a day or two to let the dust settle.

Answer 3

Well, for one thing, chicken manure is good for your chapped lips. It doesn't really heal them, but it keeps you from licking them when they are dry. ;-}