Economics of animal health and livestock disease

Abstract

Livestock health and disease constrain animal protein production and trade, contributing directly to the health outcomes, livelihoods, and food security of almost a billion people worldwide. They also indirectly affect the diet, nutrition and health security of all people. Strong public interest in the matter arises from myriad external effects, including contagion and information failures. So as to ensure that resource allocations to the sector are efficient and sustainable, relevant economic theory and empirical evidence should guide individual and social investments, programs, and interventions for animal health and livestock diseases. We discuss recent conceptual advances and empirical findings in the economics of animal health and livestock disease, including benefits and costs measurement, and designing and implementing prevention and management programs. We close with a discussion of implications for policy and suggestions for future economic research directions in the area.