Control of diseases in livestock is integral to food security

Food security cannot not be taken for granted

In countries such as Britain we consumers probably do take food security for granted. Our farmers do not; if diseases of their livestock and crops are not kept under control, productivity (quantity and quality) nose-dives. In developing countries, where control of diseases is poor, Food security website 30-50% of potential productivity is lost to disease. With the global population expected to increase by 50% (another 3 billion people) by 2050, it is imperative that everything possible is done to maximise the efficiency of food production, without degrading the environment.

Science, a prerequisite for food security

Scientific knowledge underpins agricultural productivity. The Institute for Animal Health contributes to this by research on major infectious diseases of poultry and livestock, including some that are always present (endemic) in the UK and others that are not (exotic). Our research has led us to new vaccines, better diagnostics , diagnostic services, and expert advice to farmers and policymakers, nationally and internationally.

Enlightened self-interest

Diseases endemic to Britain adversely affect UK livestock directly, of course. But diseases in other countries are also a threat to British stock. A disease on the other side of the world is only days, or even hours, away. Foot-and-mouth disease came to Britain in 2001 from south-east Asia, probably by ship. Bluetongue virus came to northern Europe for the first time in 2006, possibly by plane from sub-Saharan Africa. Influenza viruses can also arrive on the wing, brought by migrating birds. In 2007 African swine fever virus travelled by ship from East Africa to the European-Asian border, and in October of 2009 it was transported 2,000 km overland to north-west Russia, close to the border with the EU. Consequently our improvement of animal health overseas is not only for the benefit of communities there, it is also enlightened self-interest; less disease abroad means less risk for British animals

The importance of improved animal health in developing nations

Stability and prosperity for those in developing countries can only be achieved when there are robust, sustainable rural economies, producing staple foods for their own populations. That is the platform on which economic and social progress can be built. The health of their domestic animals is integral to this. Not only are they sources of protein and other products but some of them also have other, pivotal roles to play. Oxen, for example, are used for transport and to pull ploughs. When disease strikes the oxen, fields go unploughed; crop production suffers. In this way epidemics of rinderpest, which killed huge percentages of cattle and buffalo in Africa and Asia until recently, resulted in famine and social disintegration. Scientists of the Institute for Animal Health contributed over several decades to the eradication of rinderpest. This global achievement is testament to what can be done by a combination of science, political will and the passion to succeed.