Social, economic and policy issues in the long-term control of HPAI

Prevention and control of HPAI in Asia is a long term problem with important economic and policy consequences. The macro level impact of a single national outbreak is greatest for an exporting country, ranging in 2003-5 from dollars 65 million to over dollars 400 million. No estimates are available for the impact of market disruption if endemic disease changes the pattern of regional and international trade. In countries with minimal exports, the total financial impact may be much smaller, but there can be serious losses to vulnerable sectors of society at several stages of the market chain. The economies of the region are growing and some countries could finance recurrent costs of AI control, but substantial investment in veterinary services is required. National and regional financing structures need to be reviewed. AI control strategies should include a broad financial support system that addresses education, credit, compensation and social relief programmes. Some strategies may result in restructuring of the industry, or affect the wider development of rural areas and local food security.