Global Patterns of Agricultural Machine and Equipment Injuries- A Systematic Literature Review.

OBJECTIVES: Agriculture is the one of the hazardous industries in the world. Though there is significant investment in agricultural safety, machine injuries continue to be the leading cause of agriculture injuries worldwide. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive literature review on global patterns in agricultural machine injuries and establish a framework for future research aimed at addressing safety concerns in the agriculture sector. METHODS: The existing scholarship on farm machine injuries can be categorized into three main areas: a) farming machine/equipment injuries, b) factors associated with these injuries, and c) injury patterns. RESULTS: Overall, the findings highlight that farm tractors are the primary source of injuries for both fatal and non-fatal incidents regardless of region. Other common sources of injuries were harvesting machinery and hand/power tools in Asia, ATVs in North America and woodworking machinery in Europe. Inadequate training in operating farm equipment was reported as the most likely factor contributing to machine-related injuries. Lastly, the patterns of injuries vary based on the interaction between humans and machinery. For instance, rollovers often result in severe head and fracture injuries, while thresher incidents can lead to amputation of hands, arms, and other body parts. CONCLUSION: Addressing these injuries by implementing safety protocols will not only enhance the well-being of farm workers but potentially attract more workers to the sector, which is currently experiencing labor shortages due to machine-related injuries.

Association of immunotoxicological indices with lung cancer biomarkers in poultry, grape, and rose farming workers.

Exposure to occupational hazards like dust, pesticides, diesel emission particles, or physical hazards in the agricultural sector is known to cause adverse health effects on farm workers. Our study aimed at addressing the association of immunomodulatory status with plasma levels of lung cancer biomarkers in farming population, attempting to recognition of vulnerable farming group. Blood samples from apparently healthy 51 chicken husbandry, 19 grape orchard, and 21 rose greenhouse workers were subjected to evaluate plasma levels of two representative lung cancer biomarkers, pro-gastrin releasing peptide (Pro-GRP) and cytokeratin fragment 19 (CYFRA 21-1). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from farmers were used for natural killer (NK) cell phenotyping and cytokines (interferon-gamma, IFN-γ and interleukin-13, IL-13) profiling in the culture supernatant. Compared to the rose greenhouse farmers, the grape orchard and chicken husbandry workers revealed a significantly upregulated plasma Pro-GRP and CYFRA 21-1 level. A low proportion of NK cells was observed among the female grape orchard workers and a lowered IFN- γ:IL-13 ratio was seen in the grape and chicken husbandry workers than the rose workers. Our findings imply that grape orchard and chicken husbandry workers have more disturbed immune homeostasis implicated with augmentation in the levels of lung cancer biomarkers than the rose greenhouse workers.

Avoidance-related behavioral and blood-based physiological responses of Nguni and Boran cattle subjected to routine handling activities post relocation.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the avoidance-related behavioral and blood-based physiological responses of Nguni and Boran cattle during routine handling activities post-relocation, with a particular focus on the effect of breed, week, and waiting time. Methods: A total of 20 animals, 10 from each breed, were subjected to handling activities at fortnight intervals post-relocation. The animals were observed for entry time (ES), chute score (CS), kicking score (KS), blood sampling time, cortisol, and glucose concentrations. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and regression analysis. Results and Discussion: Results showed that breed had a significant effect on avoidance-related behavioral responses (ES: p = 0.0032; CS: p = 0.0071; and EX: p = 0.0320), with Nguni cattle displaying more active avoidance behaviors compared to Boran cattle. Additionally, breed differences were observed in physiological responses, with Nguni cattle exhibiting higher cortisol and glucose levels compared to Boran cattle. Waiting time in the race had a greater impact on chute score (CS: p = 0.0037) and cortisol release (p = 0.0375) in the two breeds. Regression analysis revealed that the amount of time spent in the handling facility prior to sampling and the duration of blood collection significantly increased from week 3 to 15. Steers that waited in the race for more than 10 min had higher cortisol levels (p = 0.0031). These findings suggest that breed-specific management practices may be necessary to reduce stress-related responses and improve animal welfare during routine handling activities post-relocation. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering the effects of breed, week, and waiting time when evaluating the avoidance-related behavioral and blood-based physiological responses of cattle during routine handling activities. These factors play a significant role in understanding and addressing the stress and welfare concerns associated with handling procedures, particularly after relocation.

Prevalence of kidney disease of unknown etiology in agricultural workers, Guatemala.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of kidney disease of unknown etiology in banana, melon, and tomato workers in north-eastern Guatemala, and to evaluate the usefulness of a cystatin C blood test for early detection of renal disease. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, farm-based study of 462 agricultural workers conducted from June to September 2021. Epidemiological and demographic characteristics of the workers were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained to determine glucose, creatinine and cystatin C levels. Anthropometric and clinical data were also recorded. Results: The prevalence of kidney disease of unknown etiology was 3.03% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36-4.70%) based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR-EPI) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, with a significantly higher prevalence in banana workers (5.67%; 95% CI: 2.16-9.18%) than melon workers (p = 0.009) and tomato workers (p = 0.044). Ten workers (2.16%) had reduced kidney function (GFR-EPI 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m2). The levels of cystatin C showed less variability (coefficient of variation 46.4%) than those of creatinine (coefficient of variation 67.0%), and cystatin C levels in cases with abnormal and reduced kidney function were significantly different from cases with normal kidney function (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Surveillance of the health of active farm workers and improvement of working conditions, such as sun protection, adequate hydration, and sufficient breaks, are recommended. The significant differences in cystatin C levels between cases with abnormal and reduced kidney function and those with normal kidney function suggest that cystatin C could be a useful measure for early detection of renal disease.

Antimicrobial resistome during the transition from an integrated to a monoculture aquaculture farm in southern China.

Integrated and monoculture freshwater aquaculture systems are often regarded as important reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and antimicrobial resistance bacteria (ARBs), yet only a few studies have assessed differences in the antimicrobial resistome and antibiotic residues between aquaculture modes. In this study, a metagenomic approach was used to comprehensively explore the dynamic patterns and potential transmission mechanisms of ARGs in ducks, human workers, fish, water and sediments during the transition from an integrated to a monoculture freshwater aquaculture mode and to investigate the associations of ARGs with potential hosts in microbial communities using network analysis and a binning approach. The results showed that the abundance and diversity of ARGs were higher under integrated fish-duck farming than in single fish ponds. During the transition from an integrated to a monoculture aquaculture farm, ARGs in workers and sediments were not easily removed. However, ARGs in the aquatic environment underwent regular changes. In addition, duck manure was probably the most dominant source of ARGs in the duck farm environment. Network analysis indicated that Escherichia spp. were the most dominant hosts of ARGs. Variation partitioning analysis (VPA) showed that in water samples, the bacterial community played an important role in the ARG profile. In addition, we identified a potential risk of the presence of highly virulent and antimicrobial-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in workers. These results help assess the risk of ARG transmission in integrated and monoculture aquaculture farms and suggest that we should strengthen the monitoring of long-term resistance in integrated aquaculture environments.

The impact of the use of personal-protective-equipment on the minimization of effects of exposure to pesticides among farm-workers in India.

Introduction: Although excessive use of pesticides and unsafe agricultural practices may contribute to numerous intoxications, the role of PPE (personal-protective-equipment) in the minimization of toxicological effects due to pesticide exposure has not been addressed so far. The present study aimed to assess the impact of the use of PPE on the minimization of effects of exposure to pesticides among farm-workers. Methods: A community-based follow-up study with questionnaire-based survey and field observations was undertaken among farm-workers (n = 180) of Rangareddy district, Telangana, India. Biomarkers of exposure such as cholinesterase activity, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, cortisol, and hs-C reactive protein), nutrients (vitamins A, E), liver function (total protein and A/G ratio, AST and ALT levels) were investigated in the laboratory by following the standard protocols. Results: Farm-workers who had a mean farming exposure of 18 years of and who neither followed safe pesticide handling practices nor used PPE and also showed reluctance to obey good agricultural practices (GAPs). Inhibition of AChE (acetylcholine esterase) with increased inflammation was found among farm-workers as compared to their respective normal values when they have not used PPE. Linear regression statistical analysis revealed a profound effect on inhibition in the AChE activity and various inflammatory markers with the increase in the duration of pesticide exposure. Further, there was no effect of the duration of pesticide exposure on the levels of vitamins A, E, ALT, AST, total protein, and A/G ratio. Further, intervention studies carried out on the use of PPE provided (commercially available and cost-effective) for 90 days showed a significant reduction in the biomarker levels (p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the importance of the use of PPE during pesticide applications and other agricultural tasks to minimize pesticide-associated adverse health effects.

Prevalence of kidney disease of unknown etiology in agricultural workers, Guatemala / Prevalencia de la nefropatía de etiología desconocida en el personal del sector agrícola de Guatemala / Prevalência de doença renal de etiologia desconhecida em trabalhadores agrícolas na Guatemala

ABSTRACT Objectives. To determine the prevalence of kidney disease of unknown etiology in banana, melon, and tomato workers in north-eastern Guatemala, and to evaluate the usefulness of a cystatin C blood test for early detection of renal disease. Methods. This was a cross-sectional, farm-based study of 462 agricultural workers conducted from June to September 2021. Epidemiological and demographic characteristics of the workers were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained to determine glucose, creatinine and cystatin C levels. Anthropometric and clinical data were also recorded. Results. The prevalence of kidney disease of unknown etiology was 3.03% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36-4.70%) based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR-EPI) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, with a significantly higher prevalence in banana workers (5.67%; 95% CI: 2.16-9.18%) than melon workers (p = 0.009) and tomato workers (p = 0.044). Ten workers (2.16%) had reduced kidney function (GFR-EPI 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m2). The levels of cystatin C showed less variability (coefficient of variation 46.4%) than those of creatinine (coefficient of variation 67.0%), and cystatin C levels in cases with abnormal and reduced kidney function were significantly different from cases with normal kidney function (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Surveillance of the health of active farm workers and improvement of working conditions, such as sun protection, adequate hydration, and sufficient breaks, are recommended. The significant differences in cystatin C levels between cases with abnormal and reduced kidney function and those with normal kidney function suggest that cystatin C could be a useful measure for early detection of renal disease.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar la prevalencia de la nefropatía de etiología desconocida en el personal de los sectores de la banana, el melón y el tomate en el noreste de Guatemala, así como la utilidad de un análisis de la cistatina C en sangre para su detección temprana. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal en 462 personas que trabajan en establecimientos agrícolas entre junio y septiembre del 2021. Se utilizaron cuestionarios rellenados por las propias personas encuestadas a fin de recopilar sus características epidemiológicas y demográficas. Se tomaron muestras de sangre para determinar las concentraciones de glucosa, creatinina y cistatina C. También se obtuvieron datos antropométricos y clínicos. Resultados. La prevalencia de la nefropatía de etiología desconocida, definida por una filtración glomerular (determinada con la fórmula GRF—EPI) <60 ml/min/1,73 m2, fue del 3,03% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 1,36-4,70%); y la cifra fue significativamente mayor en el personal del sector de la banana (5,67%; IC 95%: 2,16-9,18%) que en el de los sectores del melón (p = 0,009) y del tomate (p = 0,044). Diez personas (2,16%) presentaron una reducción de la función renal (GRF—EPI 60—90 ml/min/1,73 m2). Se observó una menor variabilidad en las concentraciones de cistatina C (coeficiente de variación del 46,4%) que en las de creatinina (coeficiente de variación del 67,0%); asimismo, hubo una diferencia significativa (p <0,001) de las concentraciones de cistatina C entre las personas con un valor anormal o una reducción de la función y las que tenían una función renal normal. Conclusiones. Se recomienda la vigilancia de la salud del personal laboral del sector agrícola y la mejora de sus condiciones de trabajo, por ejemplo mediante la protección frente a la luz solar, una hidratación adecuada y un número suficiente de pausas en el trabajo. Las diferencias significativas en las concentraciones de cistatina C entre las personas con una función renal alterada o reducida y las personas con una función renal normal hacen pensar que la determinación de la cistatina C podría ser un parámetro útil para la detección precoz de la nefropatía.

RESUMO Objetivos. Determinar a prevalência de doença renal de etiologia desconhecida em trabalhadores que cultivam banana, melão e tomate no nordeste da Guatemala e avaliar a utilidade da dosagem sanguínea de cistatina C para detecção precoce de doença renal. Métodos. Estudo transversal realizado de junho a setembro de 2021 com 462 trabalhadores rurais em unidades produtoras agrícolas. As características epidemiológicas e demográficas dos trabalhadores foram coletadas por meio de um questionário autoadministrado. Foram obtidas amostras de sangue para dosagem de glicose, creatinina e cistatina C. Os dados antropométricos e clínicos também foram registrados. Resultados. A prevalência da doença renal de etiologia desconhecida foi de 3,03% (intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%: 1,36-4,70%), com base em uma taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG-EPI) < 60 mL/min/1,73 m2. A prevalência foi significantemente maior em cultivadores de banana (5,67%; IC de 95%: 2,16-9,18%) do que em cultivadores de melão (p = 0,009) e de tomate (p = 0,044). Dez trabalhadores (2,16%) tinham função renal reduzida (TFG-EPI 60-90 mL/min/1,73 m2). Os níveis de cistatina C foram menos variáveis (coeficiente de variação: 46,4%) que os de creatinina (coeficiente de variação: 67,0%). Os níveis de cistatina C foram significantemente diferentes entre casos com função renal alterada ou reduzida e casos com função renal normal (p < 0,001). Conclusões. Recomenda-se a vigilância da saúde dos trabalhadores rurais ativos e a melhoria das condições de trabalho, como proteção contra o sol, hidratação adequada e intervalos de descanso suficientes. As diferenças significantes nos níveis de cistatina C entre trabalhadores com função renal alterada ou reduzida e trabalhadores com função renal normal sugerem que a cistatina C poderia ser uma medida útil para a detecção precoce da doença renal.

Capacity Strengthening Undertaking-Farm Organized Response of Workers against Risk for Diabetes: (C.S.U.-F.O.R.W.A.R.D. with Cal Poly)-A Concept Approach to Tackling Diabetes in Vulnerable and Underserved Farmworkers in California.

In our project herein, we use the case of farmworkers, an underserved and understudied population at high risk for Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), as a paradigm of an integrated action-oriented research, education and extension approach involving the development of long-term equitable strategies providing empowerment and tailored-made solutions that support practical decision-making aiming to reduce risk of T2DM and ensuing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A Technology-based Empowerment Didactic module (TEDm) and an Informed Decision-Making enhancer (IDMe) coupled in a smart application (app) for farmworkers aiming to teach, set goals, monitor, and support in terms of nutrition, hydration, physical activity, sleep, and circadian rhythm towards lowering T2DM risk, is to be developed and implemented considering the particular characteristics of the population and setting. In parallel, anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical assessments will be utilized to monitor risk parameters for T2DM and compliance to dietary and wellness plans. The app incorporating anthropometric/clinical/biochemical parameters, dietary/lifestyle behavior, and extent of goal achievement can be continuously refined and improved through machine learning and re-programming. The app can function as a programmable tool constantly learning, adapting, and tailoring its services to user needs helping optimization of practical informed decision-making towards mitigating disease symptoms and associated risk factors. This work can benefit apart from the direct beneficiaries being farmworkers, the stakeholders who will be gaining a healthier, more vibrant workforce, and in turn the local communities.

Lung Cancer in the French West Indies: Role of Sugarcane Work and Other Occupational Exposures.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to study the role of occupational exposures in lung cancer risk in the French West Indies, with special attention to some specific activities, such as sugarcane work, that can only be studied in a limited number of populations. METHODS: We used data from a population-based case-control study that included 147 incident lung cancer cases and 405 controls. Smoking histories and detailed occupational histories with descriptions of tasks and substances were collected by questionnaire during face-to-face interviews. Odds ratios (OR) adjusted for sex, age, region, smoking status, and cigarette pack-years and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Significantly increased risks of lung cancer were found in sugarcane farm workers (OR = 2.7; 95% CI 1.1-6.6) and more generally in the sugarcane-growing sector (OR = 2.5; 95% CI 1.0-6.3) and to a lesser extent in rum production. Elevated risks of lung cancer were also observed among other agricultural workers, painters, warehouse porters, labourers, and maintenance and motor vehicle repair workers. Exposure to herbicides in sugarcane cultivation was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 2.6; 95% CI 0.9-7.6). CONCLUSION: These results show that occupational exposures contributed to lung cancer risk in the French West Indies, and highlighted the role of exposures related to sugarcane work.

Evaluation of working conditions, work postures, musculoskeletal disorders and low back pain among sugar production workers.

BACKGROUND: It is generally agreed that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a severe health concern, particularly for agricultural laborers. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to identify risk factors and work-related disorders among agricultural workers at Amirkabir agro-industry company in Iran. METHOD: A total of 158 workers, of which 66 were manual harvesting workers (four postures), 40 were fertilizer transportation workers (three postures), and 52 were spraying workers (one posture), were included in the study. The research used questionnaires to collect data, and the postures were analyzed using 3DSSPP software. Related risk factors such as age, body mass index, work experience, working hours, and sports activity were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence rate of lower back pain (94%), knee pain (82%), neck pain (69%), upper-back (63%), and shoulder (63%) were calculated. The logistic regression revealed that working hours and sports activities are significantly correlated to the wrist/hand and neck MSD with 5.62 and 6.38 times more likely among manual harvesting workers. The 3DSSPP software estimated that the lower back pain, especially in the first posture, for manure transportation workers was very high. Maximum L5-S1 compression, shear, and moment forces in the first posture among manure transportation workers were 7113 N and 472 N, -381 N-m, respectively. CONCLUSION: The 3DSSPP results also illustrated that compression, shear, and moment forces exceeded the NIOSH limit for the other postures. After interventions, compression, shear, and moment forces among all farm workers decreased. These findings emphasize that farm workers need to be under surveillance continuously at their workstations where interventions and improvement in specific tasks are required.

Handheld two-stroke engines as an important source of personal VOC exposure for olive farm workers.

Personal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is mainly associated with indoor exposures; however, elevated short-term exposures may also occur during ambient activities. Handheld two-stroke gasoline-powered engines have widespread use in agriculture, but so far, no studies have been conducted on the potential health risks due to the inhalation of emitted VOCs. A one-week passive sampling has been conducted on olive farm workers during the harvesting season to monitor personal exposure levels to VOCs. The first group of workers was selected to represent the contribution of gasoline-powered shaker to daily personal VOC exposures, and one another group of workers was selected as the control, whose have not been using the device. Higher concentrations of 1-pentene, n-hexane, isopentane, n-pentene, and toluene were observed in personal samples collected from machine operators. Personal exposure concentrations of a total of 45 monitored VOCs varied between 29.2 ± 10.7 and 3733.4 ± 3300.1 µg m-3 among 20 volunteer workers. Estimated carcinogenic risks were between the acceptable levels of 10-4 and 10-6 for all workers. All individual chronic HQs and HIs (as the sum of individual HQs) were below the benchmark value of 1 for regular workers in 3 different sampling sites, whereas HI values in both acute (short term) and chronic exposure scenarios were exceeded 1 for shaker machine operators. This represented potential non-carcinogenic health hazards for exposed shaker operators, along with elevated VOCs.

Food Security of Temporary Foreign Farm Workers under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program in Canada and the United States: A Scoping Review.

Temporary foreign farm workers (TFWs) are among the most vulnerable and exploitable groups. Recent research shows alarming rates of food insecurity among them. This review explores research focussing on food security of TFWs in Canada and the United States, summarizes findings, and identifies research gaps. Online databases, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and government and nongovernment websites, and websites of migrant worker-supporting organizations were searched for peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed papers and reports published between 1966 and 2020 regarding food security of TFWs. Articles reviewed were analyzed to determine publication type, country, year, target population, and main findings. Content analysis was performed to identify major themes. Of 291 sources identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Most articles (n = 10) were based on studies conducted in the United States. The prevalence of food insecurity among TFWs ranged between 28% and 87%. From the content analysis, we formulated 9 themes, representing a diversity of perspectives, including access to resources, income, housing and related facilities, food access, dietary pattern and healthy food choices, and migrant's legal status. Instruments reported for the measurement of food security include USDA Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM; n = 8, 72.7%), the modified version of the USDA HFSSM (n = 1, 9%), hunger measure (n = 1, 9%), the modified CDC's NHANES (n = 1, 9%), and 24-h recall, diet history, and/or food-frequency questionnaire (n = 3, 27.3%). Factors impacting food security of TFWs working under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programs (SAWPs) in North America are understudied. There is a need to advance research looking particularly at policies and regulatory and administrative aspects of the SAWPs to improve the food security of this cohort. There is also a need for qualitative studies that explore lived experiences and perspectives of TFWs and key informants. Longitudinal studies may be useful to examine various factors, including policy-related, contributing to food insecurity of TFWs over time.

(Not That) Essential: A Scoping Review of Migrant Workers' Access to Health Services and Social Protection during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Migrant workers have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To examine their access to health services and social protection during the pandemic, we conducted an exploratory scoping review on experiences of migrant workers in three countries with comparable immigration, health, and welfare policies: Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. After screening 961 peer-reviewed and grey literature sources, five studies were included. Using immigration status as a lens, we found that despite more inclusive policies in response to the pandemic, temporary migrant workers, especially migrant farm workers and international students, remained excluded from health services and social protection. Findings demonstrate that exploitative employment practices, precarity, and racism contribute to the continued exclusion of temporary migrant workers. The interplay between these factors, with structural racism at its core, reflect the colonial histories of these countries and their largely neoliberal approaches to immigration. To address this inequity, proactive action that recognizes and targets these structural determinants at play is essential.

Cancer and occupational exposure to pesticides: a bibliometric study of the past 10 years.

Occupational exposure to pesticides has been identified as a major trigger of the development of cancer. Pesticides can cause intoxication in the individuals who manipulate them through either inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. Given this, we investigated the association between the incidence of cancer and occupational exposure to pesticides through a bibliometric analysis of the studies published between 2011 and 2020, based on 62 papers selected from the Scopus database. The results indicated an exponential increase in the number of studies published over the past decade, with most of the research being conducted in the USA, France, India, and Brazil, although a further 17 nations were also involved in the research on the association between cancer and pesticides. The principal classes of pesticides investigated in relation to their role in intoxication and cancer were insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The types of cancer reported most frequently were multiple myeloma, bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer. Despite the known association between pesticides and cancer, studies are still relatively scarce in comparison with the global scale of the use of these xenobiotic substances, which is related to the increasing demand for agricultural products throughout the world.

Seeing the workers for the trees: exalted and devalued manual labour in the Pacific Northwest craft cider industry.

Craft food and beverage makers regularly emphasize transparency about the ethical, sustainable sourcing of their ingredients and the human labour underpinning their production, all of which helps elevate the status of their products and occupational communities. Yet, as with other niche ethical consumption markets, craft industries continue to rely on employment conditions for agricultural workers that reproduce inequalities of race, class, and citizenship in the dominant food system. This paper interrogates the contradiction between the exaltation of craft cidermakers' labour and the devaluation of farmworker labour by assessing how craft beverage actors make sense of inequalities facing manually skilled agricultural workers. Through a focus on the emerging craft cider industry, this paper draws on in-depth interviews and ethnographic data with a range of urban and rural cider actors in the Pacific Northwest (British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington State). I find that actors in the craft cider industry engage with inequalities affecting farmworkers through three main patterns: (1) Justifications of the status quo; (2) Supply chain fog; and (3) Misgiving/critique. By using an analytical framework that integrates critical agrarianism and the politics of sight, this study provides insights into both barriers and opportunities to redistribute social recognition and material rewards across food supply chains.

Detection of antibodies to duck tembusu virus in human population with or without the history of contact with ducks.

Duck tembusu virus (DTMUV) is an emerging duck pathogen in China and other Asian countries. It is unclear whether this emerging zoonotic infection poses a threat to humans. A previous study in 2012 showed surprisingly high rates of seropositivity and positive viral detection by RT-PCR in duck farm workers in China. To understand the nature of the threat of this emerging virus, we studied the neutralizing antibody response to a local isolate of DTMUV in an at-risk population, who were workers in duck farms and residents around farming areas in Central Thailand where DTMUV had been previously detected, and in a not-at-risk population, who were people living in the same or neighbouring province, but at a distance from the farms and who had no contact with ducks. The sera from the at-risk population showed higher anti-DTMUV neutralizing antibody titres as compared with those of the not-at-risk population. However, within the at-risk population, workers with direct contact with ducks did not show higher neutralizing titres than those without direct contact. Interestingly, some people in the not-at-risk group also displayed high neutralizing antibody titres to DTMUV. These sera were tested against other endemic Flaviviruses and showed no or low cross-reactivity suggesting the specificity of the neutralizing activity against DTMUV. These data raise a possibility of DTMUV as a potential zoonotic pathogen but the mode of transmission of the virus from ducks or other possible hosts to humans should be explored further.

Coccidioidomycosis Knowledge and Behaviors of California Hispanic Farm Workers.

(1) Describe knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever, VF) reported by farm workers in a highly endemic area to design and evaluate prevention messages and (2) identify health information sources preferred by farm workers to disseminate VF prevention messages. There were 119 primarily Mexican-born residents of two migrant farm labor housing centers in Kern County, who completed an interviewer-administered survey on VF knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in 2017. The 73% of participants aware of VF demonstrated a knowledge score of 53%. Over 90% erroneously believed VF was associated with pesticide exposure; approximately two-thirds believed that wearing a bandana mask was protective. Over half of respondents believed that VF was contagious, could be contracted from contaminated food or water, and caused gastrointestinal symptoms. Of those aware of VF, 75% expressed concern about becoming infected because of where they lived and working outdoors. Working outdoors in dusty conditions was the most commonly reported risk-associated work practice. Among 67 participants reporting use of respiratory protection, 94% indicated they wear a bandana; most male participants did not wear face coverings in dusty conditions. The most frequent protective work practice was wetting soil. Preferred sources of health information included television; family, friend, or co-worker; healthcare provider; and radio. Farm workers reported multiple risk factors for VF. Results identified several areas of poor knowledge, risk behavior, and preferred channels of prevention messages. Important protective behaviors are not under the control of farm workers; engagement with employers is essential.

Skin cancer prevalence in farm workers in Spain

Background: Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is one of the main risk factors for non-melanoma skin cancer. In Spain, 11% of the population are outdoor workers. Farmers are among the outdoor workers with the highest levels of chronic sun exposure. Objectives: To study the prevalence of skin cancer in farmers and evaluate their photoprotection habits. Materials & Methods: We performed an observational cross-sectional prospective study of farmers who completed a validated questionnaire on UVR exposure and protective behaviour and underwent a skin examination and skin colorimetry overseen by a dermatologist. Results: The study population consisted of 215 farm workers (84.4% male; mean age: 65.8 ± 14 years; mean years working: 45 ± 18). Actinic keratosis (AK) was detected in 41.4%, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in 9.8%, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 1.4%. The most frequent photoprotection measure was the shade (69.3%). Photoaging type was significantly associated with the presence of AK and BCC, and Olson Grade II and III AK lesions correlated with SCC. The number of nevi on the lower extremities was the only predictor of the appearance of BCC. Conclusion: Photoprotection measures were not regularly used by most farm workers and the prevalence of skin cancer lesions was high. The findings underscore the need to improve photoprotection habits and early detection of skin cancer in this population.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Streptococcus suis Infections in Catalonia, Spain.

Introduction: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a human zoonotic pathogen of occupational origin, with infection acquired through contact with live pigs or pig meat. Pig farming is one of Catalonia's biggest industries and as a result this region of Spain has one of the highest density pig populations per km2. The aim of our study was to describe the infections caused by S. suis occurring in that area over a 9-year period. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, multi-center study was carried out by searching records from 15 hospitals in Catalonia for the period between 2010 and 2019. Results: Over the study period altogether nine cases of S. suis infection were identified in five hospitals, with five of these cases occurring in the 2018-2019 period. The mean age of patients was 48 ± 8.9 years and all of them were males. Five patients (55.6%) worked in pig farms. The most frequent manifestation of infection was meningitis (5 cases; 55.6%) followed by septic arthritis (3 cases; 33.3%). None of the patients died at 30 days; nonetheless, 4 developed hearing loss as a long-term complication. Conclusion: The most commonly identified S. suis infection was meningitis. Over 50% of the episodes occurred in the last 2 years and have affected pig farm workers. Further surveillance is needed in order to know its prevalence.

Occupational Contact Dermatitis in Employees of Large-Scale Narcotic Crop Farms of Ethiopia: Prevalence and Risk Factors. A Self-Reported Study Using the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Occupational skin diseases are the second leading occupational disease, accounting for almost 25% of all missed workdays. Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) accounts for 70% to 90% of all skin disorders in the workplace. Only a few occupational epidemiology studies have looked into the prevalence and risk factors of occupation-induced dermatitis among narcotic crop farm workers around the world. Related studies in Ethiopia are even fewer. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Dirashe district of Southern Ethiopia from March 23 to April 12, 2021. Data was collected using a standardized interviewer-administered questionnaire. The history of contact dermatitis was determined using the standardized Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire version 2002 (NOSQ-2002). A total of 578 farm laborers took part in the study, which was conducted using a systematic random sampling. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression were used to characterize the data and identify factors associated with occupational contact dermatitis. RESULT: The prevalence of self-reported occupational contact dermatitis in the past 12 months among workers of large-scale Khat farms was (AOR: 67.80%, 95% CI [61.00, 76.23]). In the multivariable regression, being older (AOR: 5.51, 95% CI [1.79, 7.24]), working as a bundle binder (AOR: 5.74, 95% CI [2.12, 15.55]), not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) (AOR: 2.50, 95% CI [1.64, 3.81]), and having poor knowledge of pesticides use, storage, and disposal methods (AOR: 2.50, 95% CI [1.64, 3.81]) were associated with occupational contact dermatitis. CONCLUSION: Contact dermatitis caused by work is very common among Khat farm laborers. Measures to promote safe practices and reduce exposure to hazards, such as removing expired and/or banned chemicals, purchasing alternative pesticides that meet legislative requirements, job rotation and routine training of staff on safe practices, increasing safety signage, and performing risk assessments, as well as improving the quantity and quality of institutional protective equipment supplies may thus contribute to the enhancement of safe work practices.