Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Economics of theileriosis control in Zambia.
- Journal:
- Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH
- Year:
- 1999
- Authors:
- D'Haese, L et al.
- Affiliation:
- University of Antwerp
Plain-English summary
This study looked at the costs associated with controlling a disease called theileriosis, which affects cattle and is spread by ticks. The researchers found that using a combination of tick control methods and vaccinations can significantly lower the economic losses farmers face due to this disease. For example, the costs for controlling ticks can vary based on the method used, with options like plunge dipping and hand spraying costing between $8.43 and $21.09 per animal each year. While vaccination can help limit losses from the disease, it doesn't completely eliminate the impact of ticks on cattle productivity. Overall, large-scale vaccination was shown to reduce economic losses by 90% compared to not taking any action, while treatment after infection only reduced losses by 60%.
Abstract
For an economic analysis of theileriosis control, we adopted the total economic cost (TEC) method, which calculates the sum of output losses from tick damage, theileriosis mortality and morbidity, and expenditures for treatment or prevention of the disease. At farm level, the TEC can be minimized by a specific combination of vector control and/or immunization and an acceptable level of losses. Expenditures for vector control include acaricides, construction of dipping or spraying facilities and their maintenance, and variable costs such as those for water and labour. Economics of vector control depend on the herd size and the method of application of the acaricide. Morbidity, mortality and tick damage losses are effectively reduced by correct and intensive vector control programmes. Expenditures for vector control are estimated at US$ 8. 43, 13.62 and 21.09 per animal per year for plunge dipping, hand spraying and pour-on, respectively. Immunization costs comprise production of parasite stabilates, storage and application, delivery and treatment. At US$ 9.5 per animal, immunization limits losses caused by Theileria parva, but ticks still may reduce the productivity of the animals. Expenditures for treatment after natural infection involve drugs, transport, veterinary fees and farm labour costs. Treatment has a moderate success rate, hence both morbidity and mortality remain important factors. Equally, it does not affect the vector, which may continue to reduce overall productivity of cattle. Expenditures for treatment range between US$ 9.04 and US$ 27.31 per animal. To compare different TECs in relation to different control strategies, assumptions have to be made on disease occurrence, case fatality, value and productivity of the cattle, reductions in productivity due to morbidity and number of animals under a specific control regime. Calculations based on data from Southern Province, Zambia show that large-scale immunization reduces the TEC by 90% compared to no intervention. Treatment, which is the second-best option, reduces the TEC by 60%. Appendix 1 Summary of factors influencing total economic cost
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10540312/