Methods to reduce pathogen microorganisms in manure

Manure always contains microorganisms originating from faeces, bedding material, feed residues, etc. A small percentage of the enteric microorganisms are pathogens, some of them being obligate parasites so that they can no more multiply outside of their hosts. If these pathogen microorganisms gain access to other sensitive host, water or vegetation, there will be health risks for animals or human. Some microorganisms in manure can increase the risks for deterioration of fodder if manure should contaminate fodder and these microorganisms can be secreted into raw milk. In particular, the cheese industry can encounter difficulties from butyric acid producing clostridia present in manure.The reduction and controlling of microorganisms can be done by microbiological, chemical or physical methods. The efficiency as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these methods will be discussed. Some methods may give other beneficial products, thus providing novel opportunities for new sources of farm income. All methods do require investments and have operational costs thus the selection becomes dependent f. i. how long animal breeding will be practised. Some methods fit better for seasonal or temporal use. The method selected depends also on the form of the manure as well as on the size of the animal unit.The hygiene control claims of EU will be critically discussed.