EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON TRANSMISSION OF LIVESTOCK DISEASES

Abstract

Livestock production is crucial in meeting global food demands and contributes significantly to nutrition, employment, and economic growth. However, the rapid increase in demand for livestock products is determined by income growth, and urbanization faces critical challenges from climate change. Rising temperatures can alter precipitation patterns and extreme weather events due to a negative impact on livestock productivity and exacerbate zoonotic disease transmission. Climate change affects the spread of zoonotic diseases by altering the distribution of vectors, pathogens, and hosts. Vector-borne diseases such as Rift Valley fever and African horse sickness are sensitive to climate fluctuations and lead to potential outbreaks in new regions. Additionally, livestock diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis may be stable in the endemic areas and could spread due to climate-induced shifts. The emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases such as Ebola and influenza are tied to the interaction between livestock and humans. Ecological disturbances and climate changes drive them. As livestock health weakens their heat stress and reduces immunity, the risk of disease transmission increases, posing significant threats to animal and human health. This article reviews the current literature on climate change's effect on zoonotic disease transmission in livestock and explores potential plans for mitigating these risks in vulnerable regions.