Risk of pneumonia in the vicinity of goat farms: a comparative assessment of temporal variation based on longitudinal health data

BackgroundAlthough the association between living in the vicinity of a goat farm and the occurrence of pneumonia is well-documented, it is unclear whether the higher risk of pneumonia in livestock dense areas is season-specific or not. This study explored the temporal variation of the association between exposure to goat farms and the occurrence of pneumonia.MethodsA large population-based study was conducted in the Netherlands, based on electronic health records from 49 general practices, collected for a period of six consecutive years (2014-2019). Monthly incidence rates of pneumonia in a livestock dense area were compared with those of a control group (areas with low livestock density) both per individual year and cumulatively for the entire six-year period. Using individual estimates of livestock exposure, it was also examined whether incidence of pneumonia differed per month if someone lived within a certain radius from a goat farm, compared to residents who lived further away.ResultsPneumonia was consistently more common in the livestock dense area throughout the year, compared to the control area. Analyses on the association between the individual livestock exposure estimates and monthly pneumonia incidence for the whole six-year period, yielded a generally higher risk for pneumonia among people living within 500 m from a goat farm, compared to those living further away. Significant associations were observed for March (IRR 1.68, 95% CI 1.02-2.78), August (IRR 2.67, 95% CI 1.45-4.90) and September (IRR 2.52, 95% CI 1.47-4.32).ConclusionsThe increased occurrence of pneumonia in the vicinity of goat farms is not season-specific. Instead, pneumonia is more common in livestock dense areas throughout the year, including summer months.

Automated summary

A large population-based study conducted in the Netherlands found that living in the vicinity of a goat farm is associated with a higher risk of pneumonia, and this risk is not season-specific. The study also revealed that individuals living within a certain radius from a goat farm have a higher incidence of pneumonia, especially in March, August, and September.