With the rapid development of livestock and poultry in recent decades, emissions of particulate matter (PM) from animal production facilities have became increasing concern due to its adverse effect on the health and welfare of humans and animals, as well as the environment. The state of the art of the source, characteristics, harm, the related standards and control technologies of PM in livestock farms were reviewed. Knowledge on the sources, the physicochemical and biological characteristics, diffusion models and reduction techniques of PM from livestock and poultry farms can be used to identify and quantify sources of PM, evaluate effects of PM and develop adequate abatement strategies of PM in animal farms. The monitoring technology of PM based on its complicated characteristics was stated. Mass concentration and PSD of PM could be measured by weighing, optical, aerodynamic and electronic methods. Three techniques of monitoring components of PM from animal farms currently were introduced in detail, including ion chromatography, X ray spectrometry and thermal optical analysis. Identification techniques of microorganism in PM were mentioned briefly, including gram method staining, metabolic analysis and ribosome profiling. The source control technology, process control technology and end control technology of PM from livestock and poultry farms were briefed, cost effective adequate reduction technologies and strategies of PM in Chinese animal farms needed to be developed. Further research to characterize, assess health risk on animals and humans, and control PM in animal farms was discussed.