Factory farms are putting public health at risk
As the demand for cheap meat grows, factory farms continue raising animals using inhumane, low-welfare methods and poorly managing the large amounts of waste known as feedlot effluent.
The impact of feedlot effluent
This effluent is typically a mixture of manure, urine, and water, which contains high levels of pathogens and other contaminants.
When this effluent spills from the feedlot, it pollutes nearby soil and waterways, causing significant environmental contamination and degradation.
Our report titled 'The Hidden Health Impacts of Industrial Livestock Systems' shows that the New Zealand government found nearly 60% of the country’s rivers carrying pollution above acceptable levels, with over 95% of rivers in pastoral, urban and non-native forested areas contaminated.
Such poor management of feedlot effluent can have severe heath repercussions on humans and animals and cause significant environmental damage, which is why shifting to a high welfare and sustainable food system is vital.
Banner image: Getty Images