Comparative investigation of airborne particulate matter and culturable fungi in horse stables

Abstract

Today, horses assist us in sports and are partners in our leisure activities. The frequent consumption of roughage and bedding materials, horses and staff are often exposed to high levels of microorganisms in the stable air. The objective of the study was to investigate the emission of particulate matter and culturable fungi in two horse stables of different construction types in urban and rural areas as well as their transmission in the immediate surroundings. The emission measurements were done in an open and a closed stable. To assess the immissions, measurements were conducted at the stables entrance, leeward and windward directions. Samples were carried out using the MAS 100® for airborne fungi and the APC M3® for particulate matter. Additionally, fungi from air, bedding and hay were cultured and identified. The median concentration of the total particles in the closed stable was of 2.57 × 10⁷ N/m³, which was twice as high as in the open stable. The median concentration of the total fungi was 7.29 × 10³ CFU/m³ in both stables. The dominant fungal genus was Aspergillus. In the open stable the median concentration of Aspergillus sp. was of 5 × 10³ CFU/m³ and thus significantly higher (p = 0.001) than in the closed stable. The fungal genera detected in bedding and hay were similar to those in the air of both stables. The findings of this study may contribute to plan and realise horse stables in future, which avoid accumulation of bioaerosols and prevent health hazards to horses and the working team.