New research has found that farm-living reduces the chance of developing asthma or allergies.
Professor Jeroen Douwes from Massey University told an international symposium in Auckland on Thursday that growing up on a farm reduces the risk of being allergic or asthmatic by 50% - 60%.
He says it is the result of direct contact with livestock.
"The animals themselves may not necessarily protect you, it may be the microbial contact," he said.
