The Economics of Livestock Disease Insurance Concepts, Issues and International Case Studies

In recent years, the livestock sector has been hit by a number of high-profile diseases, such as BSE, Foot and Mouth Disease and Avian Influenza. These have had a devastating economic impact on livestock producers and the broader livestock industry. One key response has been a growing interest in livestock disease insurance. However there is a need for greater understanding of private incentives, market impacts, and public policy perspectives on regional, national and international levels, if livestock insurance products and complementary risk management programm are to be developed.

This book provides a balanced and broad-ranging overview of the economics of livestock disease insurance. It covers both general issues and specific case studies drawn from the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia, focusing on specific issues. The book is unique in addressing this subject and will interest readers in agricultural business and economics, veterinary science and the livestock sector.