India incurs around Rs 1 lakh crore in annual losses due to livestock diseases, highlighting a major global issue in dairy. Research by Dr. Philip Rasmussen shows total dairy disease losses at approximately $65 billion annually. The study reveals significant regional variations, with diseases like subclinical ketosis and clinical mastitis impacting different regions differently. The highest losses are in India, the United States, and China. Effective disease management and preventive measures are essential for improving dairy production efficiency and sustainability.
India suffers an enormous annual financial burden due to livestock diseases, with losses amounting to around Rs 1 lakh crore. This staggering figure underscores the global issue of dairy diseases and their economic impact. Recent research by Dr. Philip Rasmussen from the University of Copenhagen, along with international collaborators, delves into the world’s most expensive dairy diseases, highlighting which countries are hardest hit by these costs.
Key Findings from the Study
The study, soon to be published in the Journal of Dairy Science, investigated 12 pre-determined diseases, using factors like milk production, fertility, and culling to estimate financial losses. The study excluded treatment costs but provided a comprehensive analysis of economic impacts:
| Disease | Annual Loss (in USD) |
| Subclinical Ketosis | $18 billion |
| Clinical Mastitis | $13 billion |
| Subclinical Mastitis | $9 billion |
| Lameness | $6 billion |
| Metritis | $5 billion |
| Ovarian Cysts | $4 billion |
| Paratuberculosis/Johne’s Disease | $4 billion |
| Retained Placenta | $3 billion |
| Displaced Abomasum | $0.6 billion |
| Dystocia | $0.6 billion |
| Milk Fever/Hypocalcemia | $0.6 billion |
| Clinical Ketosis | $0.2 billion |
Total economic losses due to dairy diseases amount to approximately $65 billion annually. The study’s researchers adjusted for comorbidities, ensuring an accurate estimate of financial impacts, avoiding overestimation by 45%.
Regional Variations in Disease Impact
The effects of dairy diseases vary significantly across different regions. For instance, subclinical ketosis accounts for about 35% of the losses in Oceania (including Australia and New Zealand) but only 24% in Europe. Conversely, clinical mastitis contributes to 25% of the losses in Europe, compared to only 10% in Oceania.
Other notable regional differences include:
- Lameness: This disease significantly impacts North America, where it accounts for approximately 15% of the total losses, compared to 10% in Europe and just 5% in Asia. The prevalence of lameness in North America is attributed to intensive farming practices and larger herd sizes, which increase the risk of the condition.
- Metritis: This condition is more prevalent in South America, where it represents 10% of the total losses. In contrast, it accounts for 7% in North America and 3% in Europe. The higher prevalence in South America is linked to variations in farm management practices and environmental conditions.
- Ovarian Cysts: These are particularly costly in Europe, where they account for 12% of the losses. In comparison, they represent 8% in North America and 4% in Asia. The higher incidence in Europe may be due to genetic factors and specific management practices that influence reproductive health.
Countries with the Greatest Annual Losses
The countries with the highest annual losses are:
| Country | Annual Loss (in USD) |
| India | $12 billion |
| United States | $8 billion |
| China | $5 billion |
These rankings align with the global milk production rankings by country.
Implications for Global Dairy Production
Addressing dairy diseases and improving animal health is crucial for enhancing the global efficiency of dairy production. Better health management can also reduce the environmental toll of dairy farming. By reducing disease incidence, dairy farms can lower greenhouse gas emissions and resource usage, contributing to more sustainable practices.
Additionally, improving animal health through better disease management practices can increase milk yield and quality, leading to higher profitability for farmers. This is especially important in developing countries where smallholder farmers rely heavily on dairy production for their livelihoods.
The study highlights the importance of preventive measures such as vaccination, improved hygiene practices, and regular health monitoring to reduce the prevalence of diseases. Investing in research and development to create more effective treatments and preventive measures is also crucial.
The authors emphasize the importance of milk and dairy products as nutrient-rich foods essential for global nutrition and food security. With the expected increase in global food demand by up to 56% between 2010 and 2050, addressing dairy diseases will be critical in meeting this demand while ensuring sustainable and efficient dairy production.
