Measuring the impacts of aquatic animal diseases: the role of economic analysis

Aquaculture is an important industry both economically and socially. The majority of this industry is focused on the production of aquatic animals, which may be substantially adversely affected by disease. Economic analyses may be used to inform decision-makers on the aquatic animal disease control choices that are economically optimal. Examples of such analyses are presented in this paper, ranging from basic cost estimates of disease impact to complex, spatial- temporal, bio-economic models. Regardless of the complexity of the analysis, there is a consistent need to collect and analyse good quality data measuring both the production and health of aquatic animals. This would require a variety of individuals and groups, including farmers, scientists and the government, to collaboratively contribute to this end. Given the necessary data, more sophisticated models may be better used to inform decision-making from the farm to the national level. Finally, economic analyses should not be limited to simple aggregated cost and benefit results but rather should include the social and gender impacts of financial decisions, as well as the potential externalities both within and among the various impacted sectors in order to optimise investment at both the farm and national levels.