Utrecht University: Larger number of pneumonia cases near livestock farms reconfirmed

This is evident from the latest figures for the years 2017-2019 of the research programme Livestock Keeping & Health of the Population (VGO-III). This programme consists of various sub-studies into the health of people living in the vicinity of livestock farms.

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More pneumonias consistent picture
Research over the years 2010-2019 in the eastern part of Noord-Brabant and Noord-Limburg shows, that the number of pneumonia cases in livestock farming dense areas was consistently higher over the years – 26-60%, varying per year – than in comparable, livestock farming dense areas elsewhere in the Netherlands. This was also the case in Gelderland, Overijssel and Utrecht, where research was conducted over the years 2014-2017.

The current research for the years 2017-2019 shows that pneumonia occurs more frequently throughout the year in the eastern part of Noord-Brabant and Noord-Limburg, and not only, for instance, during the flu season. In the study area, the risk of pneumonia is highest for people living within a radius of 500 metres of goat farms, and in the period currently under investigation, this also applies to people living in the vicinity of poultry farms.

Further investigation into possible causes of pneumonia
Why pneumonia occurs more frequently in people who live near goat farms is investigated in further sub-studies in VGO-III. The research results are expected by the end of 2024.

VGO-III is carried out by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the Netherlands Institute for Health Research (Nivel), Utrecht University (UU) and Wageningen University & Research (WUR).