Economics of plant disease outbreaks

Abstract

Although economics of biosecurity is a relatively new research discipline, it can provide significant inputs into public decision making with regard to framing policy interventions, selecting disease control strategies and developing adjustment packages. Based on the 2004 outbreak of citrus canker in the Central Highland region of Queensland, this paper reports a framework/methodology of economic analysis outlining (a) identification of the economic impacts of disease incursion, (b) estimation of the economic losses associated with the outbreak, and (c) desirability of eradication and control measures.