Trans-boundary Diseases of Animals: Mounting Concerns

Abstract

With technological advances, livestock production has gained an integral position in the agrarian component of the national economy. Livestock farming is one of the important sources of livelihood to rural farmers in India, particularly landless farmers.  Increasing contribution of livestock to socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation are well recognized. A healthy livestock is pride of any country. However, rapid trend of globalization has brought upon challenges in maintaining healthy herds of livestock. The emerging infections of foreign origin could spread across national geographical borders and cause havoc.  Consequently, there will be an emergence and spread of new disease in the region which was once free from the disease. In this article, we summarize the major diseases of livestock that are trans-boundary in nature, and review the challenges and essential management strategies in controlling the trans-boundary diseases.