Disposal of animal healthcare services waste in southern Brazil: One Health at risk

Abstract

Brazilian animal livestock is in full expansion, but linked to the use of veterinary drugs, which may be considered as emerging contaminants. The study aimed to characterize the disposal of animal healthcare service waste (AHSW), especially of veterinary drugs generated on rural properties in São Joaquim municipality, southern Brazil. Eighty-four cattle ranchers were interviewed through a structured questionnaire about drugs use and disposal of the AHSW. The active ingredients of drugs most used were the antiparasitic ivermectin (68% of properties) and the antimicrobial oxytetracycline (48%). After the use, the disposal of the AHSW, including expired drugs, leftovers and wrapper, was the disposal next to the domestic trash, burning and disposal in the soil. There was a significant association only between the age of the participants and the disposing of piercing objects (X² = 36.36, p= 0.020), showing that farmers aged above 60 years usually reuse, the ones who are 20 years old return to the place where they acquired the material and the rest adopts improper practices. In summary, the disposal practices of the AHSW adopted in the properties are still in disagreement with the current Brazilian legislation and may cause adverse effects on human, animal and environmental health.