Impact of animal rabies on local economy

摘要

In any country in which rabies is present, livestock and other working animals may become infected with the rabies virus. Livestock are an important source of food and income globally and working animals contribute to livelihoods. This is particularlyimportant in non-industrialised countries. Working animals include cattle, buffalo, horses, donkeys and camels, which are commonly used for ploughing and transportation of people and goods, as well as dogs used for hunting, herding, assisting military and police forces and guarding property. Moreover, in some cultures, the consumption of dog meat is a source of protein and income.In recent years there has been an increased public recognition of the importance of rabies as a cause of suffering and economic loss; however, the lack of reliable data on rabies is a major constraint to accurately assessing the impact of the disease onlocal economies. The economic impact of rabies includes direct loss of human and animal life and consequent loss of productivity and labour. Costs incurred to pay for medical diagnosis and treatment, including transportation and post-exposure prophylaxis, are a significant burden on families and communities. The spread of rabies in a community may lead to the emergency sale of production animals and livelihood assets, further affecting these communities' food and economic security.The authors call for improved rabies surveillance systems, including outbreak investigations and special epidemiological studies, and improved assessment of the economic and public health effects of rabies on livestock, as well as on local and national economies. This information would make a valuable contribution to raising public awareness of rabies, and help to guide the appropriate allocation of resources to control the disease and reduce its social and economic impact.