Open Access
Research (Published online: 09-01-2023)
5. Economic and value chain analysis to support an investigation and risk mitigation efforts on Marek's disease in layers in the southern part of Thailand
Tosapol Dejyong, Karoon Chanachai, Tippawon Prarakamawongsa, Wandee Kongkaew, Anyarat Thiptara, Taweesak Songserm, Theera Rukkwamsuk, Damian TagoPacheco, and Waraphon Phimpraphai
Veterinary World, 16(1): 35-45

Tosapol Dejyong: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Phranakorn, Bangkok, Thailand, 10200; Graduate Student, Bio-Veterinary Science Program (International), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand, 10900.
Karoon Chanachai: United States Agency for International Development, Regional Development Mission Asia, Patumwan, Bangkok, Thailand, 10330.
Tippawon Prarakamawongsa: Regional Field Epidemiology Training Program for Veterinarians, Department of Livestock Development, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand, 104004.
Wandee Kongkaew: Veterinary Research and Development Center (Upper Southern Region), National Institute of Animal Health, Department of Livestock Development, Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, 80110.
Anyarat Thiptara: Veterinary Research and Development Center (Upper Southern Region), National Institute of Animal Health, Department of Livestock Development, Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, 80110.
Taweesak Songserm: Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 73140.
Theera Rukkwamsuk: Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 73140.
Damian TagoPacheco: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Phranakorn, Bangkok, Thailand, 10200.
Waraphon Phimpraphai: Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 73140.

doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2023.35-45

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Article history: Received: 07-07-2022, Accepted: 17-11-2022, Published online: 09-01-2023

Corresponding author: Waraphon Phimpraphai

E-mail: fvetwrp@ku.ac.th

Citation: Dejyong T, Chanachai K, Prarakamawongsa T, Kongkaew W, Thiptara A, Songserm T, Rukkwamsuk T, TagoPacheco D, and Phimpraphai W (2023) Economic and value chain analysis to support an investigation and risk mitigation efforts on Marek's disease in layers in the southern part of Thailand, Veterinary World, 16(1): 35–45.
Abstract

Background and Aim: Marek's disease (MD) is a common lymphoproliferative disease affecting chickens and causing economic losses in commercial poultry. The MD outbreak was noticed in the southern part of Thailand in 2019. The suspected cases were found with an abnormal number of cases of layers dying with clinical signs, for example, weakness and emaciation, with evidence of MD gross lesions. This study aimed to raise awareness of the MD outbreak through value chain analysis (VCA), identifying associated possible risk factors, and estimating the associated economic impact.

Materials and Methods: Value chain analysis, including seasonal calendar, value chain diagram, and layer movement mapping of the layer industry, was conducted. High-risk stakeholders were identified on the basis of risk practices and interactions between stakeholders. A case–control study was conducted to determine risk factors associated with the MD outbreak on layer farms, and partial budget analysis was used to estimate economic losses associated with MD.

Results: The value chain diagram showed the linkages between stakeholders, including estimation of the percentage of products moved from one stakeholder group to another and the negotiated price. Fourteen out of 35 layer farms were case farms. Farm size and source of birds were significantly associated with the MD outbreak. The MD outbreak caused total economic losses of 295,823 USD. Farms that slaughtered infected birds with additional revenues incurred losses of 140,930 USD, whereas farms that culled infected birds without additional revenue returned incurred losses of 1995 USD.

Conclusion: The VCA provided a better understanding of the layer and egg businesses in South Thailand and guided the development of questionnaires for outbreak investigation. The potential risk factor findings suggested the need for further exploration of the source of the MD outbreak.

Keywords: birds, case–control study, risk factors, Thailand.