Effects of international legal regimes and policy measures aimed at the protection of human, animal or plant life or health on animal genetic diversity

The value of livestock diversity for food security is increasingly acknowledged. Previous studies have found evidence that resistance or tolerance of animals to diseases is related to genetic variation. This study asks whether international zoo sanitary and food safety regimes affect the diversity of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture (AnGRFA) or diversity of livestock, and, if so, whether measures to mitigate these impacts are desirable. The research is based on three case studies: the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Asia (2003-2005); the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the United Kingdom (2002); and a study on the possible impacts of zoo sanitary and food safety measures on creation of export markets for products of breeds at risk. We find no clear answer to the question. However, we conclude that, given the global nature of the risk, the burden of risk prevention measures should also be shared. This calls for a stronger commitment of the developed countries. We make recommendations for the elaboration of emergency, containment and prevention strategies and plans; for mitigating the indirect impacts of standards on trade in animal products; and information and capacity building on measures for the conservation of AnGRFA.