Financial cost implication of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) resurgence in Oyo State: the 2015 episode

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a very destructive disease of poultry as it causes high death rate within a flock and affects the livelihood of farmers. Oyo state experienced previous outbreaks of avian influenza (A.I.) before the bio-containment in 2006/2007. Resurgence of avian influenza was confirmed by the Oyo State avian influenza Desk Officer as at February 2015. This study analyzed previous methods of assessing losses due to avian influenza and used a revised economic model to calculate costs associated with the avian influenza resurgence in Oyo State. The evaluation used epidemiological data, production figures and other input parameters to deter­mine the final costs. The infection caused a loss of 200,272,800 Naira ($910,330.91) in Oyo State. This study urges government to develop an avian influenza emergency preparedness system coupled with a rapid response initiative, which must be tested regularly to forestall a future resurgence bearing in mind the huge economic losses associated with the disease. The cost implication of a disease outbreak is an important tool for proper decision making, especially in the case of highly pathogenic avian Influenza. The time lag between disease outbreak and intervention can worsen the economic effects of the disease thereby causing farmers to lose their livelihood. Disease control decision making processes now involves a multidisciplinary approach, thus making outcomes of decisions highly effective