Economic and Social Consequences of Animal Diseases
The World Bank
12 June 2006
Dr. Francois Le Gall, Lead Livestock Specialist

The consequences of animal diseases in domesticated birds and livestock can be complex and generally go well beyond the immediate effects on affected producers. These diseases have numerous impacts, including:

• productivity losses for the livestock sector (e.g. production losses, cost of treatment, market disturbances)
• loss of income from activities using animal resources (in such sectors as agriculture; energy; transportation; tourism)
• loss of well-being of human beings (morbidity and even mortality rates; food safety and quality)
• prevention or control costs (production costs; public expenditure)
• suboptimal use of production potential (animal species, genetics, livestock practices)

These economic and social effects can be classified as “direct,” “ripple” (impact on the industry’s upstream and downstream activities), “spillover” (impact on other sectors), “long-term”, or “remote.”

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State Confirms 3rd Plague Case
The Associated Press (Posted by NewMexican)
12 June 2006

A San Miguel County boy is New Mexico's third plague case of the year, the state Department of Health said Monday. The department confirmed bubonic plague in the boy, who was hospitalized and released, and is conducting an environmental investigation at the boy's home to see if there is an ongoing risk of the disease.

``With widespread activity, no one should be complacent and assume that if a plague case occurs several miles from their home there is no risk for them at their home,'' said Dr. Paul Ettestad, state public-health veterinarian. ``People should take necessary precautions to prevent their exposure to rodents as part of their regular routine.''

Plague generally is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas, but it also can be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals -- rodents, wildlife and pets, especially cats. The health department has confirmed plague in dogs and cats as well as wild rodents in Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties.

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