Fears about hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, have been emerging for several years, but now a new concern has been added to the list with a growing number of farmers reporting mysterious symptoms among livestock and pets, according to Bloomberg.
A report on the issue was released recently based largely on anecdotal evidence collected by veterinarian Michelle Bamberger and professor of veterinary medicine Robert Oswald.
They spoke with several farmers who reported seeing animals die from sudden seizures and apparent inability to breath, as well as some animals that appeared to be sterile. The pair noted that any causal link to fracking would be impossible because many companies still do not report the component chemicals of their fracking fluids.
That at least is set to change with national regulators about to change environment, health and safety rules to require the disclosure of fracking fluid chemicals in most cases.
Nevertheless, industry representatives insist the change will show no link to the apparent health issues.
"The paper is little more than a collection of personal testimonials that cannot be independently assessed or verified," Steve Everley, from industry group Energy in Depth, told Bloomberg. "The paper is full of bold assertions about oil and gas development, but empty of any facts or scientific evidence to support those opinions."
Analyses of the natural gas industry can be found at PennEnergy's Research area.
