Does intensive agriculture have a negative impact on food safety?
Intensive agriculture methods are theorized to aid in the potential development and dissemination of more virulent pathogens. Close contact facilitates the spread of pathogens to a larger number of animals. Further, large numbers of animals in close contact may provide microorganisms with greater opportunity to exchange genetic material with other microorganisms. However, some intensive agriculture is highly controlled to prevent disease. The impact on public health is difficult to quantify.
