Journal of Disease and Global Health

Economic Impact of Lumpy Skin Disease in Africa and Asia: A Systematic Review of Economic Losses, Control Strategies, and Research Gaps

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), is an important transboundary viral disease affecting cattle and water buffalo across Africa and Asia. Although mortality is generally low (<5%), the disease causes substantial economic losses through reduced productivity, treatment expenses, and trade-related disruptions, posing a serious threat to livestock-dependent communities.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesise available evidence on the economic impact of LSD in Africa and Asia, evaluate methodological approaches used in economic assessments, analyse control strategies, and identify key research gaps to support future policy and research priorities.

Methods: This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2010 and March 2026. Eligible studies included economic impact analyses, cost-benefit evaluations, and livestock disease economic assessments related to LSD. Data from 18 eligible studies were synthesised using narrative synthesis due to methodological and geographical heterogeneity.

Results: The review found that LSD imposes substantial direct and indirect economic losses through reduced milk production (20–65% for 2–8 weeks), weight loss, hide damage, reproductive inefficiency, treatment costs, labour diversion, market disruption, and trade restrictions. Economic impacts were often greater in intensive dairy systems and among crossbred cattle due to higher productivity losses and market value. Vaccination was consistently identified as the most cost-effective control strategy, with reported benefit–cost ratios ranging from 1.4 to 8.1. However, considerable methodological heterogeneity across studies limited comparability of economic estimates. Major research gaps included the absence of standardised economic assessment frameworks, limited evidence from smallholder farming systems, and insufficient long-term economic evaluations.

Conclusion: Lumpy skin disease imposes a significant economic burden across Africa and Asia despite its relatively low mortality. Strengthening vaccination strategies, improving standardised economic evaluation methods, and addressing key research gaps are essential for evidence-based disease control policies and improved livestock sector resilience.

Pandemic Preparedness, Resilience, and Recovery in Health Systems

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pandemics and public health emergencies expose vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, disrupt other sectors that provide essential services, and exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities among populations. This narrative review assesses components of pandemic preparedness, health system resilience, and strategies of recovery from a global health crisis. Lessons from COVID-19 and other previous pandemics—such as the importance of early warning systems, robust surveillance, adaptive workforce deployment, sustainable supply chains, and strong governance are considered. In addition to preparation for and management of a pandemic, a health system must not only absorb shock to be considered resilient, but also adapt and transform to deal with a crisis. This healthcare transformation can be achieved through adopting digital health information systems, new methods of healthcare financing, and active involvement of local communities. The importance of protecting essential health services, such as immunization, maternal healthcare, and management of patients with chronic diseases, is highlighted. The review also addresses the disproportionate impact of these health crises on vulnerable populations such as people of low socioeconomic status, the elderly, and displaced people. Finally, recommendations are provided on how to strengthen global health security by strengthening primary health care, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and investing in local manufacturing of health products and in digital health information systems. Building back better in the aftermath of a pandemic will require sustained political will and, most importantly, international solidarity and a fundamental shift from a health crisis reaction model to a model of equity-centered preparedness and proactiveness. Investment in primary health care, digital health technologies, local manufacturing of health products and emergency preparedness are key to future health security. Strong pandemic preparedness and resilience require sustained political commitment, global solidarity and an equity-oriented proactive approach to protect the world’s population in the face of a health crisis.

Emerging Zoonotic Infections in Odisha: A Systematic Review of Scrub Typhus and Anthrax

Himansu Bhusana Nayak — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infections continue to pose major public health challenges in Odisha, India. Scrub typhus and anthrax are increasingly recognized as important zoonotic diseases affecting rural and tribal populations.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA-guided principles. Studies published between 2010 and 2025 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Forty eligible studies were included for qualitative synthesis.

Results: The review identified scrub typhus as an increasingly important cause of acute undifferentiated febrile illness, particularly during monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Anthrax remained endemic in livestock-dependent tribal regions. Major determinants of transmission included occupational exposure, environmental vulnerability, delayed healthcare-seeking behavior, inadequate diagnostic infrastructure, and fragmented surveillance systems.

Conclusion: Scrub typhus and anthrax remain significant zoonotic threats in Odisha. Strengthening integrated surveillance systems, decentralized diagnostics, livestock vaccination programs, and One Health-based interventions is essential for improving disease prevention and outbreak preparedness.