Seminar explores impact of big farm operations on public health

The College of Veterinary Medicine and Ohio State University Extension will present a seminar entitled, “Public Health Forum: Animal Populations and Their Effects on the Environment” on Thursday, (6/17) from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the OSU Veterinary Medicine Academic Building’s East Auditorium, 1900 Coffey Road.

Animal populations can pollute the environment through improper waste disposal, emission of foul odors, introductions of pathogens, and even the spread of zoonotic diseases (passed from animals to humans). As farm populations grow larger and become more concentrated, the water supply and air quality must be protected. The conference will address important issues such as antibiotic resistance associated with animal operations, managing animal waste, maintaining proper air quality, and what steps can be instituted to provide a healthy environment for both human and animal populations.

Media interested in receiving a list of sessions or in attending the seminar should contact Melissa Lamb Peale, Director of Communications, College of Veterinary Medicine, (614) 292-3752 or lamb-peale.1@osu.edu. Or contact the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at (614) 292-5933 for more information.

WHAT:Public Health Forum: Animal Populations and Their Effects on the Environment

WHEN: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday (6/17)

WHERE: OSU Veterinary Medicine Academic Building, East Auditorium, 1900 Coffey
Road.

WHY: The seminar examines public health implications of big farm operations such
as Buckeye Egg Farms.