Infectious agents and antimicrobial resistance do not respect national borders. By monitoring and reducing antimicrobial use, strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness globally we reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in partner countries and at the same time help to protect animals and humans in Sweden against infections and antimicrobial resistance.
SVA researchers participate in international research projects with partners in developing countries. These projects contributes to the global development policy and to global poverty reduction. International cooperation within these areas benefit both SVA and our partner countries.
A majority of the population in low income countries live in rural areas and most of these are dependent on agriculture and livestock for their daily subsistence. In these settings animal husbandry is central and provides poor families with food, traction, fertilizer, fuel, and capital reserves. The health of the animals is important to safe guard food security, to reduce the risks for zoonotic infections and can also empower women as women are often the ones responsible for the animals. Consequently animal disease outbreaks can have devastating consequences for the poverty status, food supply and health of poor families.
Increased risk for zoonotic diseases in poor settings
Poor people in rural areas often live close to their animals which increases their exposure to zoonotic agents. In poor settings the meat of dead animals is further often used for consumption, which constitutes a major zoonotic health risk. Drinking water can also easily be contaminated by animal faeces, another risk factor for transmission of zoonoses.