Public Policy, Invasive Species and Animal Disease Management

There has been a rapid increase in recent years in invasive species and animal management economic research. Expanded interest in the topic has been partially driven by the practical importance of public policy to deal effectively with invasive species, given its public good aspects. This paper shows that the basic criteria of public goods: non-rivalry and non-excludability, apply directly to animal disease border measures and eradication services, with some caveats. It is also argued that public policy should assess disease control and eradication on grounds of biology, national economic interests, and international cooperation. Specific regulations and programs must be evaluated on the basis of cost benefit principles.