Infectious Diseases, Livestock Production and Changing Public Health Policy in Southeast Asia

Abstract

This dissertation concentrates on two emerging trends influenced by national policies that pose potential public health and occupational risks for those involved in animal food production. These trends include the increased use of antimicrobials and its impact on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and agricultural policies to increase animal production and the re-emergence of a zoonotic disease, brucellosis. Overall the goal of this dissertation is to characterize and better understand the interaction between agricultural policy, animal husbandry practices, occupational risks and public health. Studies in this dissertation provide information on the re-emergence of a zoonotic disease and current and proposed policy frameworks to manage and protect public health from AMR. Diseases that are transmissible either directly or indirectly between animals and humans, such as AMR and brucellosis, pose significant threats to global animal and human health. As countries continue to adapt policy to increase food production, the spread and growth of disease needs to be considered. Findings from this research can be used to inform further studies on the impact of agriculture policies and infectious diseases in low resource settings, strengthen future policy, inform future training and education initiatives and provide greater awareness and understanding of factors influencing emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases.