Review: Livestock health as a climate solution

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Livestock production is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• The impact of animal health on GHG emissions is often overlooked in research and policy.
• Diseases in livestock decrease productivity, increase mortality, and prolong production cycles, thus raising GHG emissions intensity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence linking animal health and GHG emissions across various diseases and livestock systems.
• To assess the representation of animal health in existing GHG accounting frameworks.
• To identify data gaps and propose integration strategies for policy and development.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies on animal health and GHG emissions.
• Analysis of disease categories (parasitic infections, mastitis, reproductive disorders) and production systems.
• Examination of GHG accounting methodologies (Tier 1, 2, and higher-tier approaches).

Main Results:

• Improving animal health demonstrably reduces GHG emissions intensity through enhanced productivity and resource efficiency.
• The magnitude of emission reduction varies by disease, livestock system, and region.
• Significant data gaps exist, especially in low- and middle-income countries, hindering comprehensive assessment.

Conclusions:

• Integrating animal health into GHG accounting and climate policy is crucial for effective mitigation.
• Disease control in livestock offers a practical pathway to reduce emissions intensity.
• Co-benefits include improved productivity, animal welfare, food security, and rural livelihoods.