Estimation of economic losses due to foot and mouth disease in India

Abstract

In the present study methodology for evaluation of economic losses was developed by considering all possible direct and indirect losses in cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig. The methodology was used to compute economic losses using the data (i) reported by Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Government of India, (ii) based on sample survey studies and (iii) published information in scientific journals. The methodology was demonstrated on the basis of the data reported by Government of India. The morbidity losses contributed about 97.64% and rest (2.36%) by mortality of animals. Among different components of losses the maximum loss of 49.83% was observed due to milk loss (direct and indirect), followed by opportunity cost (16.15%) and reduction in growth (12.20%). The total losses per infected animal due to FMD in cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig were Rupees 12,532, 21,682, 2,023, 3,046 and 2,830, respectively. From this study it is concluded that the annual total economic loss due to FMD in India ranges from Rupees 12,000 crore to 14,000 crore.