Citizens' protest in Wrisse: Health risks from chicken fattening houses!

Citizens' protest in Wrisse: Health risks from chicken fattening houses!

In Wrisse, a small town in northern Germany, there is resistance to plans for a chicken farm that would house up to 29,999 animals. Around 60 committed citizens came together for a protest meeting to express their concerns in clear terms. The citizens' initiative “No fattening stable in Wrisse” warned urgently about the health risks associated with such a project. Spokesman Marc Heuermann summed it up: “A fattening stable would significantly affect the quality of life in our village” and referred to possible dangers such as fine dust, ammonia and odor pollution, which could particularly affect children, older people and those with previous illnesses in the community. NWZonline reports that the meeting ended in a heavy downpour, but not without the participants' collective applause for the concerns expressed.

The dimensions of the project are considerable because the planned stable will be built near residential areas. The location therefore forces us to consider not only agricultural aspects, but also building law and the effects on the landscape. Heuermann and his colleague Heiko Onnen tried to rely on objective arguments with data on air emissions or groundwater threats. The consequences for tourism and the residential value of the area were also discussed.

Health concerns in focus

Fears about the health of residents are not unfounded. A current analysis by three doctors from another region, where one of the largest chicken fattening facilities with 84,000 animals is planned, shows significant health risks. The study finds that chicken production facilities are a significant source of bacteria such as staphylococci, as well as endotoxins and molds. [Wendland-Net reports that the germ emissions depend heavily on the number of animals and can be transported over 500 meters. This significantly increases the risk of respiratory diseases in the area around fattening facilities, although this risk factor decreases with distance from the stable.

The situation is particularly precarious with regard to the spread of germs, as transport vehicles that drive the animals to the stables are often contaminated with excrement and bacteria. Excessive concentrations of aerobic bacteria have even been detected in cars behind vans. The respective report urgently calls for information about these health risks and the introduction of effective measures to combat the spread of germs.

Transparency and participation required

The mayor of the municipality, Erwin Adams, was also present at the protest. He listened carefully to citizens' concerns and promised to take their concerns seriously. However, how and in what form the municipality can be involved in the approval process remains to be seen. The citizens' initiative is strongly committed to transparency and participation in the process in order to ensure that the quality of life in Wrisse is maintained.