COVID-19 represents an unprecedented emergency and grave societal threat. Protecting public health is the first priority. However, governments, policy makers and the international community must also recognize and attempt to mitigate the negative impacts (current and potential) of the pandemic and related response efforts on key sectors that contribute to food security, nutrition and livelihoods. The livestock sector is a key contributor to these areas, especially for the world’s most vulnerable populations. The effects of COVID-19 on the livestock sector are still largely unquantified and yet to be fully felt. Formal assessments have not yet been possible, but current observations reveal disruptions to livestock value chains. Lessons from past epidemics indicate these disruptions are likely to grow, along with their dire, socio-economic consequences. Fortunately, actions can be taken to protect this sector and its activities, services and products upon which the world relies.
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