Kastamonu University investigated the damage of mold and fungi in barns to human and animal health in Kastamonu, one of the important livestock breeding centers of Turkey. In the examinations, 72 species and 18 genera of fungi (fungus) were detected in 10 barns. It was determined that some of them threaten both human and animal health.
In Kastamonu, one of the important livestock breeding centers of Turkey, a study was conducted on both healthy nutrition and diseases transmitted to humans and animals. For the first time in Turkey, the damages of molds and fungi in the barns were investigated with the project titled ‘Determination of Fungal Biodiversity in the Indoor Air of the Barns, which may pose a Potential Risk of Infection’ carried out by the Department of Veterinary Medicine of İhsangazi Vocational School of our University.
Within the scope of the project carried out by Lecturer Dr. Gülay Giray and Veterinary Medicine Lecturer Abdullah Şimşek, 10 barns in İhsangazi were examined every 15 days for a year and samples were taken. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory. At the end of the project, 72 species and 18 genera of fungi were identified. It was determined that most of these fungi are species that can be transmitted to both humans and animals and can cause disease.
Prof. Dr. Gülay Giray emphasized that air and water are the most important factors for the survival of living things. Stating that air contains both substances necessary for life and harmful microorganisms, Dr. Giray said that these microorganisms are called ‘bioaerosols’. ‘Bioaerosols can be transported indoors through various means such as ventilation systems, doors, and windows and can pose a serious risk of infection for animals and workers in barns,’ Dr. Giray said, adding that depending on the types and density of microorganisms in the air, various diseases may occur in animals and workers.
‘Moulds can cause life-threatening systemic infections in animals’
Emphasizing that fresh air intake should be ensured in barns, Dr Giray stated that most of the microbial contaminants consist of bacteria and fungi. He pointed out that especially molds and yeasts can multiply rapidly in humid environments. Stating that fungal agents can have negative effects on both animal health and human respiratory and immune systems, Giray said:
‘The range of pH and water activity required for their survival and reproduction is also quite wide. The temperature of 18-25 degrees, which is accepted as room temperature in general living spaces, is quite suitable for the development of fungal agents. Molds in the indoor environment can affect the respiratory and immune system and can also affect the skin. In addition, molds can have an impact on various organs in terms of animal health and can cause life-threatening systemic infections in animals. Fungal diseases can manifest themselves in mammals in four different ways: they infect humans and animals, act as allergens are toxigenic, and cause inflammatory reactions. The onset of a mycotic infection depends on the amount of fungal infection and the resistance of the host.’
Dr Giray stated that more than 80 fungal genera cause respiratory allergies and more than 100 fungal species cause infections in humans, animals, and plants. Stating that Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium genera are among the most important allergens, Dr. Giray also emphasized that Microsporum, Trichophyton and Sporotrichum species cause infections in cattle. Giray noted that Aspergillus settles in the respiratory system and causes serious infections called aspergillosis.
‘Moulds threaten animal health’
Stating that mold spores in barns cause deterioration in animal feed and mycotoxins can cause death in animals when taken in high doses, Giray also drew attention to the importance of microbial control of ambient air. Stating that a mold concentration of 150-1000 cfu/m3 can be dangerous for animal health, Dr. Giray indicated that they identified 72 species and 18 genera of fungi in 10 barns in their study. Giray emphasized that these species can be dangerous for animal and human health and said that it is important to control them for animal health.
Abdullah Şimşek, Lecturer at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, drew attention to the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases from animals to humans. Şimşek stated that especially veterinarians are at first-degree risk due to their close contact with animals. Veterinarian Şimşek said, ‘Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be transmitted from humans to animals or from animals to humans. These diseases can be caused by bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses. According to 2018 data, 13 of 107 zoonotic diseases in our country consist of fungal (fungal) species.’
Stating that dermatophyte infections known as ringworm can be transmitted from animals to humans, Şimşek noted that this disease manifests itself with redness, itching, and hair loss, especially in the head, ear, tail, and joint areas. Şimşek said, ‘Fungal infections can easily spread between animals and some types of these infections can be transmitted to humans. Young animals are more susceptible to this disease than older animals.’
Emphasizing that the vaccine has an important place in the treatment of fungal infections, Şimşek said, ‘We have been getting very good results with fungal vaccines in recent years. However, in addition to the vaccine, sunlight, fresh air, and reducing the humidity of the barn also increase the success in treatment.’
Stating that fungal infections spread rapidly, especially in humid and crowded barns, Şimşek said, ‘The risk of disease spread is very high in dark, humid and over-capacity barns. Aspergillosis in cattle can cause bronchopneumonia, mastitis, and abortion. It is important to improve barn conditions to prevent such diseases,’ he warned.
Şimşek stated that fungal infections require systemic treatment, but local treatment is difficult in advanced cases and emphasized that it is important for veterinarians to have comprehensive knowledge about sick animals in diagnosis and treatment.
