The state of Minnesota also includes some positive elements in its fish kill restitution policies. Minnesota's restitution values include penalties not only for the value of fish killed, but also for the value of lost recreation time and enjoyment of aesthetics. Health problems are caused by pathogens and nitrogen present in animal waste. In addition, the intensive use of antibiotics to promote growth in factory farm livestock has led to concerns about antibiotic resistant bacteria threatening human health. Lastly, air pollution from animal waste management has caused respiratory and gastrointestinal health problems.
Manure contains pathogens, which can cause intestinal problems.
There are more than 40 diseases that can be transferred from manure to humans. 20 Home drinking water wells near animal waste application sites may become contaminated by pathogens or other pollutants. 21 Salmonella , E. coli , cryptosporidium , and fecal coliform can contaminate water supplies and put the public's health at risk. Manure also contains nitrogen in the form of nitrate, which can cause methemoglobinemia, or blue-baby syndrome, which can lead to death in infants. 22 Nitrate problems can be caused when high levels of nitrogen leach out of lagoons and into drinking water supplies.