What Are the Dangers of Manure Piles?

Manure is a side effect of raising livestock. Whether you own a few horses on a ranch or several acres of land for breeding of chickens and cows, all livestock breeders need an efficient method for disposing of manure. Most people stockpile manure in cordoned off areas of their land until it can be removed or reaches a dried state when it can spread over fields as an effective fertilizer.

Fire Hazard

• Manure piles can catch fire due to spontaneous combustion.

  Composting manure piles produce heat and significant levels of methane gas. Spontaneous combustion and fire occurs in manure piles, especially during the summer months. Piles that have grown damp or those taller than 7 feet are particularly at risk, according to the Maryland Cooperative Extension website.

Water Contamination

• Manure piles can lead to contamination of streams.

  Manure piles should not be situated close to spring water wells or open bodies of water, as stated on Government of Alberta website. Excessive rainfall or water outbreaks due to flooding or leaks pose problems for manure pile storage. Water that comes into contact with manure piles may become contaminated as manure piles can contain high levels of nitrates and phosphates. Contaminated water also poses a threat to fish, as rainwater usually runs off into streams and rivers and causes excessive production of algae. Wildlife that drinks from contaminated streams could sicken.

Livestock Risks

• Manure piles attract flies, which can cause blood loss in cattle.

  Manure piles are breeding points for insects, especially flies. Flies are not only an irritant to people, but can also cause significant damage to livestock health. A high presence of flies on cattle grazing grounds can lead to "pinkeye" in cattle. Pinkeye is not fatal, but can have an economic impact for the cattle industry. Flies attracted by manure piles can also cause blood depletion and weight loss in cattle.

Human Risk

• Washing your hands frequently will help prevent the spread of infection.

  Anyone handling manure piles should wash their hands frequently. Many ranchers who deal with animals and manure on a regular basis have a strong level of immunity. However, coming into contact with friends or family, particularly children, can be hazardous to their health. Examine your manure pile regularly. If there are any weeds, excessive insects or unwanted animals taking up residence near or inside your manure pile, you should apply fly repellent or composting chemicals to keep them away. Ensure your manure piles are not in an enclosed setting. Manure piles that are starved of oxygen are more likely to breed poisonous byproducts. The process of aeration stops helps stop organic substances from becoming poisonous.