Evaluation of Direct Economic Losses Due to Foot and Mouth Disease Reported by the Epidemiological Surveillance System in Cameroon From 2009 to 2023

Abstract

Foot and mouth disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral disease, is prevalent in Cameroon. Outbreaks are often observed, and the livestock industry is at serious risk of production loss. This study aimed to estimate the economic costs of FMD from 2009 to 2023. The economic impact of FMD is determined by evaluating immediate, evident production losses, such as mortality losses, decreases in milk production, and veterinary costs, which are usually faced by farmers. The expected total direct economic losses were USD 898170.228, with a standard deviation of USD 145000.078. The average economic loss per outbreak was USD 3302.096. The estimated average monetary value of mortality-related losses for an adult is USD 482.713, and for a calf, it is USD 112.255. Lower milk production resulted in losses ranging from USD 71.686 to USD 134.630 per cow. Finally, it was estimated that the cost of treating secondary infections in each sick cow would be USD 8.393. These economic losses, which also represent a sizable financial loss for persons employed in the sector, result in taxes and financial losses for the State.