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MPH Thesis Sarah R Mielke.pdf (820.04 KB)

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A Pilot Study of Potential Public Health Hazards in the Animal Hoarding Environment

Mielke, Sarah Rebecca
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0547-2221
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1429707141

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Public Health, Ohio State University, Public Health.
Animal hoarding is an occurrence of abuse found in most communities, with an estimate of 700 to 2000 new cases reported annually in the US. (30) Environmental insults, in the animal hoarding environment, include air quality, biological disease agents, and physical hazards associated with the animals or structural integrity of the home. This study evaluated the potential public health hazards posed to home occupants and investigational workers at two animal hoarding sites (AH) and compared the environmental conditions with two non-hoarding sites (NAH). To assess air quality, indoor and outdoor sample measurements for variables such as, concentrations of ammonia, particulate matter, and bacteria and fungi, along with sound pressure levels were conducted. Pathogenic microbiological agents were assessed with a standardized set of surface samples and bulk stool collection. The potential physical and structural hazards were cataloged using a modified HOMES survey which recorded the presence or absence of issues such as, unstable flooring, exposed electrical wires, blocked exits, and animal waste. As a pilot study, the sample size was too small to establish statistical significance; however, comparison of AH and NAH environments demonstrated some noteworthy differences. The results for biological hazards, show an increase in the diversity in the AH versus NAH sites, with six types found at the largest AH site (41 animals) and Staphylococci aureus the only type at NAH site AH02, while S. aureus and S. pseudointermedius species were found at NAH site AH01. Several of these pathogens are zoonotic, primarily causing illness in humans through accidental ingestion. Salmonella and campylobacter were detected on the dining room table and kitchen at AH sites AH03 and AH04, respectively. Both of these areas are associated with food preparation, consumption and storage. This finding suggests a potential site for cross contamination that could result in transmission to AH occupants. After responder activity began, measurable concentrations of ammonia were detected at both AH environments. The AH site AH04 had an average sound pressure level of 92.45dBA, which would exceed actionable levels if this remained constant over an eight hour day. At AH03, with 9 cats and 2 dogs, the indoor particulate matter levels exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, if this were a continual exposure over a 24 hour averaging time. This study found multiple significant public health hazards and supports the need for further research to provide prevention and mitigation recommendations for responders; as well as recognition and response advice for those involved with intervention of individuals suffering from animal hoarding disorder.
Jeanette O'Quin, Dr. (Advisor)
Michael Bisesi, Dr. (Advisor)
Thomas Wittum, Dr. (Committee Member)
138 p.
Public Health
Animal Hoarding; Environmental hazards; Occupational hazards; Zoonotic disease; Public Health; Veterinary

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Mielke, S. R. (2015). A Pilot Study of Potential Public Health Hazards in the Animal Hoarding Environment [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1429707141

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Mielke, Sarah. A Pilot Study of Potential Public Health Hazards in the Animal Hoarding Environment. 2015. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1429707141.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Mielke, Sarah. "A Pilot Study of Potential Public Health Hazards in the Animal Hoarding Environment." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1429707141

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1429707141
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.