Socio-economic aspects of animal diseases in southern Africa: research priorities in veterinary science.

During May 1995, members of organisations with a vested interest in the socio-economic aspects of animal diseases in southern Africa met for a one-day workshop. This was the first activity of a proposed three-year Forum and programme in this area under discussion. The workshop was sponsored by the Foundation for Research Development, the Agricultural Research Council and the University of Pretoria. The individuals who attended were representatives of academic and government institutions and included veterinarians, veterinary scientists, animal health officers, administrators from the region and abroad, economists, sociologists and animal welfare experts. The aims of the workshop were fourfold: 1. to define what is meant by socio-economic aspects of animal diseases in southern Africa; 2. to identify the socio-economic factors which influence occurrence and consequences of animal diseases; 3. to learn of methods which are used to assess socio-economic needs, and 4. to initiate an ongoing network and research programme in this area. Two key questions were considered and discussed by the participants, and a consensus reached for each. The first question considered the link between community development and socio-economic aspects of animal diseases. This included the role of production animals, companion animals and game in developing communities and factors influencing these roles, as well as constraints to this development. The second question concerned the gaps in our understanding of the socio-economic aspects of animal diseases in southern Africa which would lead to research opportunities. Six areas identified were were the collection of disease information, education and communication, policy, economics, community needs and technology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)