The economic implications of animal diseases and disease control at the national level

The authors examine the economic implications of animal diseases and contro l programmes at the national level, including the role of government in ani mal health, the effect of regulations and the use of cost-benefit analysis. Special attention is paid to the role of economic analysis in government d ecision-making processes. Economics provides a framework for gathering info rmation and for the presentation of that information in a methodical manner , thereby providing a method for the decision maker to examine policy alter natives. In addition, assumptions underlying the analysis must be clearly l aid out and explained by the person undertaking the analysis. Economic reas ons for government intervention in animal health programmes include externa lities, natural monopolies, public goods, coordination failure, information failure and distribution issues. An integrated holistic approach that incl udes national and international policy objectives is outlined in the paper. In the approach outlined, government coordinates the activities of stakeho lders in animal health, including producers, consumers and researchers.