Livestock production, especially pig raising, is becoming increasingly important for food security in Lao PDR. Demand for pig meat has increased as a result of avian influenza outbreaks decreasing chicken meat availability, but pigs raised in the smallholder sector are susceptible to a broad range of medically important pig-associated zoonoses (diseases that spread from livestock to humans). At the farmer level, rural communities in the Lao PDR view livestock production as a realistic means of reducing poverty; however livestock disease continues to be a major constraint to improved production. The central aim of this project is to establish the evidence base regarding the presence and socioeconomic impact of pig-associated zoonoses in Lao PDR and to identify and implement appropriate and sustainable veterinary public health interventions.
Links:
[1] http://www.aciar.gov.au/country/Laos
[2] http://www.aciar.gov.au/programarea/Animal Health