Zoonotic Diseases & Agriculture: Challenges in Pakistan

Agriculture has long been the backbone of economies worldwide, providing food, raw materials, and livelihoods for billions of people. In countries like Pakistan, where agriculture contributes approximately 23% to the GDP and employs nearly 38% of the labor force, the sector is not only a driver of economic growth but also a critical component of food security and rural development. However, as farming practices evolve and intensify, the interconnections between agriculture and public health have become more complex, particularly concerning zoonotic diseases.

Zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted from animals to humans, pose a significant challenge for both public health and economic stability. These diseases include avian influenza, brucellosis, and bovine tuberculosis, which frequently emerge in agricultural settings where humans and animals interact closely. The expansion of intensive farming, deforestation, and livestock trade has increased the likelihood of zoonotic disease transmission, leading to severe health and economic consequences. For instance, outbreaks can result in reduced agricultural productivity, livestock losses, and trade restrictions, further straining the rural economy.

The economic impact of zoonotic diseases extends beyond agriculture, affecting healthcare costs, labor productivity, and global trade. In Pakistan, where a large portion of the population depends on livestock farming, an outbreak can lead to income losses, food insecurity, and increased healthcare expenditures. Moreover, zoonotic outbreaks often trigger international trade bans, reducing export revenues and disrupting supply chains. Strengthening biosecurity measures, improving veterinary healthcare, and promoting awareness among farmers are essential steps to mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic diseases. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-sectoral approach that integrates agriculture, public health, and policy interventions to safeguard both human health and economic stability.

Understanding Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that are transmitted from animals to humans, either directly through contact with infected animals or indirectly through vectors such as insects, contaminated food, or water sources. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 60% of all infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, and an alarming 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals. These include avian influenza, swine flu, Ebola, Lyme disease, and COVID-19, all of which have caused significant public health crises globally. Although zoonotic diseases have existed for centuries, their frequency and impact have been increasing in recent decades due to rapid urbanization, intensified livestock farming, environmental degradation, and human encroachment into wildlife habitats. These factors create ideal conditions for the spillover of pathogens from animals to humans, leading to disease outbreaks with severe health and economic consequences.

In Pakistan, zoonotic diseases pose a serious challenge to both public health and agricultural productivity. Diseases such as brucellosis, avian influenza, and rabies are particularly concerning due to their widespread prevalence and impact on both human and animal populations. Brucellosis, a bacterial infection transmitted from livestock to humans, has been reported in various regions, especially among dairy farmers and veterinarians who handle infected animals. This disease leads to chronic health issues, including fever, joint pain, and fatigue, affecting the livelihoods of those dependent on livestock. Similarly, avian influenza outbreaks have periodically disrupted Pakistan’s poultry sector, which contributes approximately 1.3% to the national GDP and provides employment to over 1.5 million people. These outbreaks not only lead to significant economic losses for farmers but also threaten food security by reducing the availability of poultry products. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts in surveillance, vaccination programs, and public awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic diseases.

The Intensification of Agriculture and Zoonotic Diseases

The intensification of agriculture, particularly industrial farming, has created conditions where the transmission of zoonotic diseases between animals and humans has become more likely. Various agricultural practices either contribute to preventing or exacerbating the spread of zoonotic diseases, making it essential to understand their impact on public health and the economy.

One of the primary contributors is intensive livestock farming, commonly known as factory farming. This method involves raising large numbers of animals in confined spaces to maximize production. While this approach has significantly improved food supply and economic output, it has also increased the risk of disease transmission. Overcrowded and often unsanitary conditions in these facilities provide an ideal environment for pathogens to spread among animals, with the potential to jump to humans. In Pakistan, the rapid growth of the poultry and dairy industries has led to widespread adoption of intensive farming practices. Although these industries contribute significantly to the national economy, they also pose serious health risks. The 2018 avian influenza outbreak, which led to the culling of millions of birds, is a prime example of how intensive poultry farming can contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases. The outbreak resulted in heavy financial losses for poultry farmers and disrupted the food supply chain, highlighting the economic vulnerability of such farming systems.

Another major factor is the excessive use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents in livestock farming. Antibiotics are commonly administered to animals to prevent infections and promote growth, but their overuse has led to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making it harder to treat both animal and human infections. In Pakistan, antibiotic use in livestock is widespread, often without proper veterinary supervision. A 2020 report by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) revealed that nearly 70% of all antibiotics used in the country are administered to animals. This indiscriminate use accelerates the development of resistant bacteria, which can spread to humans through direct contact with animals, consumption of contaminated food, or environmental exposure. The rise of AMR poses a serious threat to public health, as it diminishes the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating infections, leading to prolonged illnesses, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates.

Deforestation and changes in land use for agricultural expansion also contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases. In Pakistan, deforestation rates are alarmingly high, with approximately 27,000 hectares of forest lost annually. As natural habitats are cleared to make way for farmland, human-wildlife interactions increase, heightening the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. The encroachment of agricultural activities into forested areas forces wild animals to move closer to human settlements, bringing with them pathogens that can jump species. Rabies, leptospirosis, and other zoonotic diseases have been linked to increased human exposure to wildlife due to habitat destruction. Addressing deforestation through reforestation initiatives and sustainable land-use planning is crucial to mitigating these risks.

Additionally, wet markets and the live animal trade play a significant role in zoonotic disease outbreaks. In many parts of the world, including Pakistan, wet markets are a critical part of the food supply chain, particularly in urban areas. However, poor hygiene and the close proximity of live animals from different species create conditions where diseases can easily spread. Major cities like Karachi and Lahore have live bird markets that have been identified as potential hotspots for avian influenza transmission. Without proper biosecurity measures, these markets can become breeding grounds for dangerous pathogens. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enforcing hygiene standards, and promoting alternative food supply systems are necessary steps to reduce the risks associated with wet markets.

The Economic Impact of Zoonotic Diseases

The economic impact of zoonotic diseases is profound and multifaceted. The effects of zoonotic diseases can be broken down into direct and indirect costs, which together create a substantial financial burden on economies. Direct costs include healthcare and treatment expenses, agricultural and livestock losses, and trade disruptions. Indirect costs include losses in productivity, lower wages, and a decline in consumer and business confidence. The economic toll on low-income populations, who are often most vulnerable to both zoonotic diseases and the economic fallout from outbreaks, is particularly severe.

In Pakistan, the economic impact of zoonotic diseases is significant. For instance, the 2018 avian influenza outbreak resulted in estimated losses of over PKR 10 billion (approximately USD 60 million) to the poultry industry. Similarly, brucellosis, which affects both livestock and humans, has been estimated to cause annual economic losses of around PKR 2.5 billion (approximately USD 15 million) due to reduced milk production, infertility in livestock, and human healthcare costs.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which is believed to have zoonotic origins, has further highlighted the economic risks associated with zoonotic diseases. In Pakistan, the pandemic led to widespread disruptions in agricultural supply chains, reduced labor availability, and a decline in consumer demand for certain agricultural products. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the agricultural sector experienced a contraction of 2.7% in FY 2020, partly due to the impact of COVID-19.

Economic Strategies for Addressing Zoonotic Risks in Agriculture

The intensification of agriculture, particularly industrial farming, has created conditions where the transmission of zoonotic diseases between animals and humans has become more likely. Various agricultural practices either contribute to preventing or exacerbating the spread of zoonotic diseases, making it essential to understand their impact on public health and the economy.

One of the primary contributors is intensive livestock farming, commonly known as factory farming. This method involves raising large numbers of animals in confined spaces to maximize production. While this approach has significantly improved food supply and economic output, it has also increased the risk of disease transmission. Overcrowded and often unsanitary conditions in these facilities provide an ideal environment for pathogens to spread among animals, with the potential to jump to humans. In Pakistan, the rapid growth of the poultry and dairy industries has led to widespread adoption of intensive farming practices. Although these industries contribute significantly to the national economy, they also pose serious health risks. The 2018 avian influenza outbreak, which led to the culling of millions of birds, is a prime example of how intensive poultry farming can contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases. The outbreak resulted in heavy financial losses for poultry farmers and disrupted the food supply chain, highlighting the economic vulnerability of such farming systems.

Another major factor is the excessive use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents in livestock farming. Antibiotics are commonly administered to animals to prevent infections and promote growth, but their overuse has led to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making it harder to treat both animal and human infections. In Pakistan, antibiotic use in livestock is widespread, often without proper veterinary supervision. A 2020 report by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) revealed that nearly 70% of all antibiotics used in the country are administered to animals. This indiscriminate use accelerates the development of resistant bacteria, which can spread to humans through direct contact with animals, consumption of contaminated food, or environmental exposure. The rise of AMR poses a serious threat to public health, as it diminishes the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating infections, leading to prolonged illnesses, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates.

Deforestation and changes in land use for agricultural expansion also contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases. In Pakistan, deforestation rates are alarmingly high, with approximately 27,000 hectares of forest lost annually. As natural habitats are cleared to make way for farmland, human-wildlife interactions increase, heightening the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. The encroachment of agricultural activities into forested areas forces wild animals to move closer to human settlements, bringing with them pathogens that can jump species. Rabies, leptospirosis, and other zoonotic diseases have been linked to increased human exposure to wildlife due to habitat destruction. Addressing deforestation through reforestation initiatives and sustainable land-use planning is crucial to mitigating these risks.

Additionally, wet markets and the live animal trade play a significant role in zoonotic disease outbreaks. In many parts of the world, including Pakistan, wet markets are a critical part of the food supply chain, particularly in urban areas. However, poor hygiene and the close proximity of live animals from different species create conditions where diseases can easily spread. Major cities like Karachi and Lahore have live bird markets that have been identified as potential hotspots for avian influenza transmission. Without proper biosecurity measures, these markets can become breeding grounds for dangerous pathogens. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enforcing hygiene standards, and promoting alternative food supply systems are necessary steps to reduce the risks associated with wet markets.

Given the increasing threats posed by zoonotic diseases, it is imperative to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, enforce biosecurity measures, and improve public awareness. Collaborative efforts between policymakers, farmers, and public health experts are essential to minimizing the risks and ensuring that agriculture remains a source of economic stability without compromising human health.

Conclusion

The interconnection between agriculture and zoonotic diseases presents a significant challenge for economic stability and public health, particularly in countries like Pakistan, where agriculture is a vital sector. Intensive farming, deforestation, excessive antibiotic use, and live animal markets have heightened the risk of disease transmission, leading to outbreaks that impact food security, livestock productivity, and international trade. The economic burden extends beyond agriculture, affecting healthcare costs and labor markets. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that integrates sustainable farming practices, stringent biosecurity measures, and public awareness campaigns. Strengthening veterinary services, regulating antibiotic use, and enforcing hygiene standards in livestock markets can mitigate zoonotic risks. Additionally, investing in research and inter-sectoral collaboration between agriculture and health policymakers will help develop strategies for early disease detection and prevention. As Pakistan continues to modernize its agricultural sector, balancing economic growth with public health safeguards is imperative. Sustainable agricultural policies, combined with proactive health interventions, can reduce the risks associated with zoonotic diseases while ensuring long-term economic resilience. By adopting a multi-sectoral approach, Pakistan can mitigate the threats posed by zoonotic diseases, safeguard livelihoods, and enhance food security, ultimately fostering a healthier and more sustainable agricultural economy.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Laiba Arooj is affiliated with National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

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