Reassessment of the potential economic impact of cattle parasites in Brazil

The profitability of livestock activities can be diminished significantly by the effects of parasites. Economic losses caused by cattle parasites in Brazil were estimated on an annual basis, considering the total number of animals at risk and the potential detrimental effects of parasitism on cattle productivity. Estimates in U.S. dollars (USD) were based on reported yield losses among untreated animals and reflected some of the effects of parasitic diseases. Relevant parasites that affect cattle productivity in Brazil, and their economic impact in USD billions include: gastrointestinal nematodes - $7.11; cattle tick (Rhipicephalus(Boophilus) microplus) - $3.24; horn fly (Haematobia irritans) - $2.56; cattle grub (Dermatobia hominis) - $0.38; New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) - $0.34; and stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) - $0.34. The combined annual economic loss due to internal and external parasites of cattle in Brazil considered here was estimated to be at least USD 13.96 billion. These findings are discussed in the context of methodologies and research that are required in order to improve the accuracy of these economic impact assessments. This information needs to be taken into consideration when developing sustainable policies for mitigating the impact of parasitism on the profitability of Brazilian cattle producers.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Grisi,Laerte, Leite,Romário Cerqueira, Martins,João Ricardo de Souza, Barros,Antonio Thadeu Medeiros de, Andreotti,Renato, Cançado,Paulo Henrique Duarte, León,Adalberto Angel Pérez de, Pereira,Jairo Barros, Villela,Humberto Silva
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Colégio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinária 2014
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1984-29612014000200150
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