Trends in Ecology & Evolution
LetterQuantifying the Interrelationship between Livestock Infections and Climate Change: Response to Ezenwa et al.
Section snippets
Impacts of Climate Change on Disease are Nonlinear
The worked example explores how increasing parasite infection prevalence might exacerbate climate warming. Given that parasitic helminths are generally exposed to ambient temperature as life stages outside the definitive host, they are influenced by climate warming more than are many other pathogens [2].
In the scenario, the potential effects on methane emissions of increases in infection prevalence due to climate change (ranging from 0 to 100%) are estimated. Each percentage increase in
Extrapolating between Functional Units Is Inappropriate
Even in the case of a linear increase in disease burden, the calculation used to estimate the impact of gastrointestinal nematode infection on GHG emissions is incorrect. The projection is based on a study that showed increased methane yield per kg dry matter feed intake in experimentally infected lambs, during a particular point of infection [7]. The authors multiply the spot measurement of methane yield by the extra time needed to reach slaughter weight in lambs with natural nematode
Environmental Impact Assessment Must Be Holistic
To properly evaluate impacts of disease on GHG emissions from livestock, the whole production cycle must be considered, and the functional unit and boundaries defined. Focusing only on enteric methane, omitting other GHGs, is also a serious limitation [10]. Exploring the complex trade-offs inherent in the management of farm animals and their health under climate change must take a holistic view (e.g., https://www.cielivestock.co.uk/net-zero-carbon-and-uk-livestock/). For example, a solution to
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Cited by (5)
Climate change and water scarcity impacts on sustainability in semi-arid areas: Lessons from the South of Iran
2024, Groundwater for Sustainable DevelopmentTo treat or not to treat: diagnostic thresholds in subclinical helminth infections of cattle
2023, Trends in ParasitologyCitation Excerpt :Parasitic infections of cattle place significant economic burdens on production systems worldwide. They negatively impact production (e.g., weight gain and milk production), resource use, nitrogen utilization, and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing production efficiency and incurring additional costs from anthelmintic treatments, other parasite control measures, and animal mortality [1,2]. In the EU, for instance, cattle helminth infections cost an estimated €2.1 billion annually [3].
Disease control tools to secure animal and public health in a densely populated world
2022, The Lancet Planetary HealthCitation Excerpt :In November 2020, scientists warned of a hypothetical positive feedback loop arising from interactions between climate, infectious diseases, and methane emissions, and highlighted the potential of infectious diseases to exacerbate the contribution of livestock to greenhouse gas emissions.102 Pathogen-induced changes driven by climate change have been estimated to increase methane inputs to the atmosphere by up to 50%;102 however, more empirical data and rigorous modelling to underpin such estimates are urgently needed.103 Making animal health systems resilient to global warming will require climate adaptation measures, which will involve farm management measures, nutritional adaptations, breeding strategies, and protection against new health threats.104
Response to Charlier et al.: Climate–Disease Feedbacks Mediated by Livestock Methane Emissions Are Plausible
2021, Trends in Ecology and EvolutionThe hidden carbon impact of animal disease
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