Farm Blamed for Neighbours' Skin Condition

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - People living near to a poultry farm have developed a rash, which a doctor has put down to germs from the farm.
calendar icon 22 June 2009
clock icon 3 minute read

Newsday from Trinidad and Tobago reports that Joy Dinnoo, 56, and three of her neighbours are sick over the unsanitary condition of a nearby poultry farm in Rousillac and say they have developed a rash as a result.

They must endure the putrid stench daily and to make matters worse, the chicken droppings from the farm form into dust and blow into their homes.

As Ms Dinnoo showed the rashes that broke out on her skin to Newsday, she said that doctors have told her that the germ circulating in the air from the chicken farm was the most likely cause of the rash.

Ms Dinnoo said she lives about 100 feet from the farm and has spent a lot of money on anti-bacterial cream.

She explained that in November, she noticed small bumps on her hands and legs. They began to itch and within a week, Ms Dinnoo said they had spread to her head, neck and back of the ears.

Last week, she visited the La Brea Health Centre when the itching became unbearable and according to her, doctors said that bacteria from the atmosphere was responsible for the rashes. A young girl, who is a neighbour, has also developed a similar rash.

Ms Dinnoo said that in July last year, 16 residents who live in close proximity to the chicken farm, signed a petition against the owner and delivered it to the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH).

"The smell is high and we have to endure it day and night. Germs are always there and the dust is getting onto our house as well as into our water," Ms Dinnoo told Newsday.

She added that her neighbours made reports about the offensive chicken farm, to the public health department. There was temporary relief when the owner cleaned the chicken farm, Dinno said but the stench returned when regular cleaning stopped.

"We are not living comfortably. My relatives cannot visit me because of this smell and dust. In July last year, 16 residents signed a petition and delivered it to the CMOH office in Siparia," said Ms Dinnoo.

Public Health Inspector for the district, Patrick Jimdar confirmed the reports about the chicken farm but he declined to disclose what action, if any, would be taken.

© 2000 - 2024 - Global Ag Media. All Rights Reserved | No part of this site may be reproduced without permission.