The economic impact of foot and mouth disease and its control in South-East Asia: a preliminary assessment with special reference to Thailand

A pilot study of the economic impact of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the countries and region of South-East Asia is described. Previous economic im pact assessments are reviewed and summarised and a synthesis of these contr ibutions is constructed. A framework for the future economic impact of the disease is then developed, incorporating analyses at the sectoral (producti on system), national and regional levels. Data requirements for such studie s are also identified. Integrated epidemiological and economic models for i mpact assessment were developed and applied to the case study country of Th ailand. The models were used to evaluate the economic Viability of FMD cont rol programmes in the country. Scenarios evaluated include the effect of im proving vaccination coverage and thus reducing productivity losses, and the effect of eventual eradication of the disease. The results indicate that e conomic returns to the high expenditures incurred in FMD control could be a chieved in the shortterm if greater international trade in pork products wa s made possible and export prices higher than those in the domestic market could be attained. If FMD were to be eradicated from Thailand in 2010, the eradication would be economically viable, even without exports, with a pred icted benefit-cost ratio of 3.73. With additional exports, the economic jus tification for control becomes much stronger with a benefit-cost ratio of u p to 15:1 being achieved. If eradication is not achieved until 2020, return s remain positive without exports, but at a lower rate. The authors propose that the integrated epidemiological and economic models developed be appli ed to other countries of the region to gain a more accurate insight into th e future benefits of FMD control and eradication in the region.