Heath S E, Kenyon S J, Zepeda Sein C A
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, School of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1248, USA.
Rev Sci Tech. 1999 Apr;18(1):256-71. doi: 10.20506/rst.18.1.1158.
Different disasters have similar consequence on the health and welfare of livestock. Numerous geophysical disasters can exacerbate epizootics, resulting in the deaths of many animals and the reduction of production efficiency. These disasters also present a considerable threat of spoilage of processed foods, endangering public health. Furthermore, large-scale disasters involving animals can modify the long-term stability of national economies, the environment and social structures. The authors discuss the vulnerability of the livestock industry to natural disasters and the impact of floods, droughts and transboundary diseases and pests on national economies. Examples are given on how some losses can be avoided, evaluated and compensated. The role of the veterinarian is presented in relation to work conducted by other relief organisations in cases of emergency. In developing countries, mitigation programmes should focus on strengthening global animal health services. Preparedness needs to be community based, with education provided in a timely manner. Effective recovery from disasters should be based on mitigation programmes, including international trade and mutual aid agreements between neighbouring countries to supply appropriate goods and environmentally and culturally appropriate breeds of livestock. Disaster relief for the care of livestock should be recognised as a form of humanitarian assistance, given the benefits to be derived for public health and the socio-economic implications of successful intervention.
不同的灾害对牲畜的健康和福祉会产生相似的影响。众多地球物理灾害会加剧动物流行病，导致许多动物死亡并降低生产效率。这些灾害还对加工食品的变质构成相当大的威胁，危及公众健康。此外，涉及动物的大规模灾害会改变国家经济、环境和社会结构的长期稳定性。作者们讨论了畜牧业对自然灾害的脆弱性，以及洪水、干旱和跨界病虫害对国家经济的影响。文中给出了一些关于如何避免、评估和补偿某些损失的例子。阐述了兽医在紧急情况下与其他救援组织开展的工作相关的作用。在发展中国家，减灾计划应侧重于加强全球动物卫生服务。备灾工作需要以社区为基础，并及时提供教育。从灾害中有效恢复应基于减灾计划，包括国际贸易以及邻国之间的互助协议，以供应合适的物资以及环境和文化适宜的牲畜品种。鉴于对公众健康有益以及成功干预所带来的社会经济影响，对牲畜的救灾应被视为一种人道主义援助形式。
