The High Stakes of Animal Health: Why Agribusiness Can't Afford to Ignore Livestock Diseases
The price of eggs and meat has become a surprising political battleground, but the truth behind soaring prices and shortages is more practical than ideological. Recent outbreaks of bird flu and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have sent shockwaves through the global agribusiness supply chain, revealing just how fragile our food production systems can be without healthy animals.
As the world faces these challenges, it becomes clear that safeguarding the health of livestock is essential not just for food security, but for the economic and environmental stability of agribusiness. According to Carel du Marchie Sarvaas, Executive Director of HealthforAnimals, "The safety and sustainability of our supply chains for meat, milk, and eggs starts with healthy animals." This reality has never been more apparent as we see firsthand the far-reaching impact of livestock diseases.
In the U.S., the ongoing bird flu outbreak has already affected 17 million birds this January, with a further 18 million birds lost in December 2024. The outbreak has led to rising egg prices and concerns about food security. Similarly, Germany is grappling with its first FMD outbreak in nearly 40 years, resulting in export bans and a staggering loss of approximately 1 billion euros in farming revenue.
The Hidden Cost of Livestock Diseases
These outbreaks are not isolated events; they are part of a larger pattern that has been wreaking havoc on the global food system for years. According to data from Oxford Analytica, animal diseases led to the loss of 80 billion kg of meat and 180 billion kg of dairy in 2018, resulting in an estimated revenue loss of $358 billion. The ongoing challenges faced by the animal agriculture sector are a stark reminder that preventing and containing livestock diseases is a cornerstone of sustainable agribusiness.
But the consequences of animal disease outbreaks go beyond just production losses. The need to cull infected animals to prevent further spread not only disrupts supply chains but also exacerbates environmental issues. Healthier livestock means fewer animals lost to disease, which directly correlates to lower greenhouse gas emissions. For example, controlling avian influenza could reduce emissions by nearly 16% in high-prevalence areas. Additionally, preventing the PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) disease in pigs could reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by 420,000 tonnes for every 100,000 sows — the equivalent of removing over 230,000 cars from the road.
Innovations in Animal Health
The animal health industry is responding to these challenges with a growing number of innovations aimed at preventing disease outbreaks and improving overall animal health. From custom vaccines to pen-side diagnostics, the sector is making significant strides toward increasing the resilience and sustainability of global agribusiness. These innovations are not just about protecting animals but also about addressing scope three emissions — the indirect emissions that come from supply chains.
However, there’s a need for more collaboration between the public and private sectors to fully leverage these advancements. Vaccines and medicines that can prevent or minimize outbreaks are largely developed and funded by the private sector, but better coordination with governments and policymakers is crucial. Greater public-private cooperation can ensure that solutions are readily available and effectively deployed when outbreaks occur.
The Path Forward: Collaboration and Proactive Measures
One of the key recommendations from experts like Sarvaas is integrating animal health into national and regional disease preparedness initiatives. Just this month, members of the European Parliament recognized the need for an updated EU animal health strategy to improve disease monitoring, following the recent outbreaks. Governments must collaborate with industry leaders to break down barriers to vaccination, particularly in the case of avian flu, where trade restrictions often lead to culling rather than vaccination.
Moreover, regular “vaccination dialogues” between policymakers and industry stakeholders could help streamline efforts and develop proactive strategies to minimize outbreaks. By prioritizing animal health within public health policies, governments can ensure that vaccines and medicines are available when needed, and that research and development continue to drive innovation in veterinary medicine.
A Triple Win for Agribusiness, the Environment, and Food Security
Farming and agriculture have long been scrutinized for their environmental impact, and recent livestock disease outbreaks only compound these challenges. However, prioritizing the health of food-producing animals offers a triple win — benefits for food security, economic growth, and emissions reductions. Healthy animals contribute to a healthier, more sustainable agrifood sector, ensuring that agribusiness remains resilient in the face of future challenges.
As Sarvaas points out, improving animal health is not just a matter of protecting profit margins — it’s essential for the future of agriculture. With healthy animals, the agribusiness sector can continue to meet global food demand while minimizing its environmental footprint, supporting livelihoods, and ensuring that the world’s food supply remains secure for years to come.
The article, based on an article published by Reuters, highlights the critical need for action in ensuring the health and sustainability of our food systems. The call to action is clear: prioritize animal health now to safeguard the future of agribusiness and global food security.
