Committee: World Health Organization

Country: Dominion of Canada

Topic: Management and Protection against Zoonosis for Livestock Farmers in
Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs)
Delegate: Ananya Aditya
School: Delia School of Canada

The Dominion of Canada has established a highly developed mixed economy and relies heavily
on trade and natural resources for the development of the country’s economy. Along with their
dependence on natural resources and trade, Canada is also one of the largest producers and
exporters in the agricultural industry which makes agriculture and farming an important element
for the prosperity of the Canadian economy. However, the recent emergence of zoonosis has
posed as a threat to livestock farmers and the agricultural industry, especially in less
economically developed countries (LEDCs).

Zoonosis are a group of diseases that are often transmitted to humans through animals, and
zoonosis are currently affecting LEDCs, especially in regions like Africa. In today’s world,
approximately 411 million people are poor livestock farmers in regions located in South Asia
and Sub-Saharan Africa (World Health Organization, 2018). The spread of zoonotic diseases,
such as rabies, in these areas are causing about 55,000 people to die of rabies in Asia and East
Africa (World Health Organization, 2018). Furthermore, the annual livestock production loss is
estimated to be about US$2,190,132,464 which would result in a decline in the quality of life for
farmers. However, more economically developed countries (MEDCs), such as Canada, are also
being affected by the increase in zoonosis. Canada relies heavily on farming and agricultural
products to maintain a stable economy, and the increasing number of cases of zoonotic diseases,
such as rabies and brucellosis, in Canada could result in a huge loss for farmers. Livestock
farmers would lose cattle, sheep, and other farm animals as zoonosis spreads amongst the
animals. Given that 98% of Canadian farms are owned and run by families shows that Canadians
rely heavily on their farm animals and their farmland to make a living and feed themselves.
Moreover, the cost of preventing zoonosis on farms is extremely high, and farmers are usually
not able to afford the services that would help with the prevention of zoonosis. The Dominion of
Canada recognizes the importance of farming and livestock animals in the lives of numerous
citizens and supports the idea of providing protection and maintenance for livestock farmers.

The delegation of the Dominion of Canada realizes the significance of farmland and livestock
animals in the lives of citizens who depend on the farmland to make a living. The delegation of
the Dominion of Canada acknowledges that this is a major issue in the current world and
believes that solutions to the problem have to be enforced in order to protect the livestock
farmers worldwide. The Dominion of Canada would prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases,
such as rabies and brucellosis, by providing annual vaccinations for the people. The Dominion of
Canada would also be willing to invest in the research process to find a cure to prevent the
spread of zoonotic diseases. Additionally, the Dominion of Canada would like to propose the
implementation of policies that promote the regular inspection of farmlands to ensure that the
farm animals are not at risk of being infected by zoonosis. Lastly, the Dominion of Canada
would be willing to give funds to LEDCs suffering from an increase in the number of cases of
zoonosis, and the funds would cover the cost of all medications that are required to combat
zoonotic diseases.