Dr. Dan Scheitrum

Assistant Professor

University of Arizona

Abstract:

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is endemic in Wales and southwest and central England and present in the rest of Great Britain. The disease is problematic from a public health perspective as it is possible to transmit to humans through direct contact with infected animals or the consumption of unpasteurized milk produced from infected animals. Due to this concern for public health, the United Kingdom’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) administers a surveillance testing program in Great Britain to detect animals infected with bTB. This program administers skin and blood tests to cattle throughout England, Scotland, and Wales to identify the presence of bTB on farms. Animals that test positive for bTB are compulsorily slaughtered and the farmer paid compensation based on standard rates. This research examines the effect of economic considerations (compensation rate, cattle price, and feed price) on bTB incidence rate controlling for spatial variation in bTB rate in the surrounding area. We find evidence that higher compensation rates, higher feed prices, and lower cattle deadweight prices are associated with higher rates of bTB and longer durations of bTB outbreaks.

Bio:

Dr. Scheitrum’s research examines commodities and commodity markets with a focus on the interaction between energy and agriculture. His current research extends his doctoral research on the impact of fuels policies on conventional and alternative energy sources. Additionally, he is investigating national and international commodity market issues including the impact of emissions regulations on livestock production and investigating agricultural hedging practices when facing idiosyncratic versus covariate risk.