Work

Illicit animal trade and infectious diseases

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Are evasionary practices in commercial trade of live animals a vector for spreading infectious animal diseases? We analyze the link between discrepancies in the traded value of live animals that are reported by partner countries -- a proxy measure which has been used in the trade literature to uncover evidence on smuggling across items like antiques, cultural property, or natural resources -- and infectious animal diseases. The results imply that a 1% increase in illicit live animal trade is associated with a 0.3% to 0.4% rise in infection cases in animals. We explore the mechanisms and find that evasionary practices like mis-classification or under-pricing of imported species are the channels through which illicit trade impacts animal health. Overall, our results suggest that illicit trade in live animals is a relevant source of spreading infectious animal diseases.

Source: World Development

DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2025.106969

Authors: Cosimo Beverelli, Rohit Ticku

Institutions: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, European University Institute

Language: English

Topic: Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,895