Challenges for Animal Health and Production in the Tropics and Mediterranean for the next 55 years
Laura Sacarrão-Birrento, Leslie J. Harrison, Ronel Pienaar, Felix N. Toka, J.F.J. Torres-Acosta, Vinícius Longo Ribeiro Vilela, Lorenzo E. Hernández-Castellano, Carlos Manuel Arriaga-Jordán, Yosra A. Soltan, Rodolfo Ungerfeld, S. Özkan, S. van Harten, Enea Ferlizza, Paul Rossiter, Amlan Kumar Patra, Aysel Çağlan Günal, Carolina Bianchi, Jože Starič, Gilliard Lach, André M. Almeida
Abstract
Tropical Animal Health and Production is a journal founded 55 years ago. It is dedicated to the publication of results of original research, investigation, and observation in all fields of animal health, welfare and production which may lead to improved health and productivity of livestock and better utilization of animal resources in tropical, subtropical and similar environments. Research is in strong alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Good Health and Well-being. To celebrate its 55th anniversary, the editorial board has composed this Editorial article in an effort to address the major challenges that animal and veterinary scientists in the tropics and adjacent regions will address over the next 55 years. The task is accomplished in a systematic fashion addressing the topic species by species (cattle, small ruminants, pigs, poultry, camelids, etc.) and in the context of different groups of health challenges encompassing production, vector-borne, parasitic and transboundary diseases. Challenges are difficult and complex, and the solutions herein proposed may be difficult to implement. It aims to be an informed overview of the major difficulties the sector will experience in the near future, ultimately suggesting tools to address them. Only time will tell if they are accurate, effective or implementable. Nevertheless, Tropical Animal Health and Production Editorial Board, secretariat, reviewers and authors will certainly do their best to contribute to the advancement of animal health and production in the Tropics and the Mediterranean.