Advancing the Three Pillars of Sustainability through Better Livestock Health & Welfare: A Data and Evidence Review
Bundesverband für Tiergesundheit e.V., HealthforAnimals and AnimalhealthEurope
Time: Thursday, 21. January 2021, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (CET), subsequent deep dive 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Languages: English, German
Summary:
Experts in agro-economics, livestock sustainability, natural resource management and policy discussed the contributions of better livestock health and welfare to sustainability at a panel debate. Livestock offers significant opportunities to positively contribute to the economic, environmental and social sustainability pillars. The experts under lined that livestock is central to the livelihoods of the 1 billion people living on less than $2 a day and governments are encouraged to not discount the contributions of livestock to livelihoods and poverty reduction, as well as to employment and economic growth.
By improving productivity through well-managed healthy animals reduction potentials in resource use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be gained. An ASF case study showed that with up to 150 million pigs lost to ASF in 2019, the GHG emissions invested in this production with no return amount up to 45 million tonnes. In developing countries in particular where access to animal health services is not always evident, livestock is viewed as a key asset and safety net that is fundamental for many livelihoods, and especially important for women. Livestock also plays an essential role in balanced nutrition and good health. The need for policymakers to recognise and harness diversity in livestock was highlighed. Greater investment is needed in sustainability research, disease reporting, in promoting herd health planning and access to the tools to support animalhealth.