Sustainable Livestock Production Safeguarding Animal and Public Health in Post-COVID Nepal

Abstract

AbstractAgriculture and livestock sectors remain one of the mainstays of Nepalese economy and contribute nearly one-fourth to the gross domestic product. Livestock sector, particularly poultry and goat farming, is continuously growing in Nepal. Milk, meat, and egg production have substantially increased over the past decade. Livestock production can be catalytic in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ending poverty and reaching to zero hunger in Nepal. Nepal is being self-reliant on various livestock products as this industry has been gradually shifting from traditional subsistence farming to commercialization. Nevertheless, Nepal is heavily dependent on import of raw materials and animal health supplies. Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases pose severe impact on the sustainable development of livestock sector. Importantly, more than 60% of emerging diseases are zoonotic. Thus, prompt identification and management of infectious diseases in animals are not only important for welfare and health of animals but also to protect public health. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic negatively impacted all aspects of livestock sector including production, processing, transport, sales, and consumption in Nepal. The objective of this study is to review the current trend of livestock production, its contribution to achieve SDGs, zoonotic diseases of importance, and the impact of COVID-19 on livestock sector in Nepal. Methodology followed included review of the published research and review articles, and reports from the governmental and relevant non-governmental organizations available online. This pandemic has reemphasized the importance of interconnectedness of animal-human-environmental health. To prevent future epidemics or pandemics and to safeguard veterinary and public health from emerging and reemerging pathogens, institutionalization, and implementation of One Health, a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and multisectoral approach is necessary. This article provides recommendations for the sustainable development of livestock sector to protect both animal and human health in Nepal.KeywordsCOVID-19Infectious diseasesLivestock productionOne HealthZoonoses