title: Reassessment of the potential economic impact of cattle parasites in Brazil.
abstract: The profitability of livestock activities can be diminished significantly by the effects of parasites. Economic losses caused by cattle parasites in Brazil were estimated on an annual basis, considering the total number of animals at risk and the potential detrimental effects of parasitism on cattle productivity. Estimates in U.S. dollars (USD) were based on reported yield losses among untreated animals and reflected some of the effects of parasitic diseases. Relevant parasites that affect cattle productivity in Brazil, and their economic impact in USD billions include: gastrointestinal nematodes - $7.11; cattle tick (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus) - $3.24; horn fly (Haematobia irritans) - $2.56; cattle grub (Dermatobia hominis) - $0.38; New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) - $0.34; and stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) - $0.34. The combined annual economic loss due to internal and external parasites of cattle in Brazil considered here was estimated to be at least USD 13.96 billion. These findings are discussed in the context of methodologies and research that are required in order to improve the accuracy of these economic impact assessments. This information needs to be taken into consideration when developing sustainable policies for mitigating the impact of parasitism on the profitability of Brazilian cattle producers.
authors: Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro ? UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil.
authors: Laerte
authors: L
authors: Grisi
authors: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais ? UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
authors: Romário Cerqueira
authors: RC
authors: Leite
authors: Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária ? FEPAGRO, Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brasil.
authors: João Ricardo de Souza
authors: JR
authors: Martins
authors: Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil.
authors: Antonio Thadeu Medeiros de
authors: AT
authors: Barros
authors: Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil.
authors: Renato
authors: R
authors: Andreotti
authors: Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil.
authors: Paulo Henrique Duarte
authors: PH
authors: Cançado
authors: USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX, USA.
authors: Adalberto Angel Pérez de
authors: AA
authors: León
authors: Champion Farmoquímico Ltda, Anápolis, GO, Brasil.
authors: Jairo Barros
authors: JB
authors: Pereira
authors: Champion Farmoquímico Ltda, Anápolis, GO, Brasil.
authors: Humberto Silva
authors: HS
authors: Villela
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000191:economics*; D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D002417:Cattle / Q000469:parasitology*; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000191:economics* / Q000469:parasitology*; D010273:Parasitic Diseases, Animal / Q000191:economics*