Economics of animal health, plant health and food safety

Evaluating the economic benefits of interventions

A wide range of interventions can be implemented to reduce the economic burden of animal diseases, plant diseases, and food safety issues. Examples include the use of chemicals (e.g. for treating animals and reducing the impact of plant pests), the implementation of quality control programmes at business or national level, changes in production methods, and the use of surveillance systems aimed at earlier detection of outbreaks and more timely interventions. Novel technologies, such as sensor systems and artificial intelligence (AI), can also be used to reduce the burden of disease and food contamination. Bio-economic simulation models are the primary method used to study such interventions, although data-driven approaches may also be appropriate in certain situations. Our group also studies human behaviour in relation to disease and food safety management, and its impact on the cost-effectiveness of interventions.

Understanding multiple dimensions of burden

The burden of food safety issues clearly extends beyond monetary consequences. Likewise, the burden of animal and plant diseases goes beyond productivity losses alone. Both diseases and pests, as well as the interventions used to control them (such as chemical treatments), have consequences that extend beyond economic outcomes. Environmental sustainability, the reduction of spillover effects, and animal welfare are becoming increasingly important considerations. Analysing trade-offs between these different dimensions of burden is a key aspect of our work, helping to improve decision-making at farm, processing, and societal levels.