Global impact of COVID-19 on the sustainability of livestock production

Abstract

Global transmission of the 2019 coronavirus illness (COVID-19), caused by the coronavirus 2 strain associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome, has started (SARS-CoV-2). The pandemic has had far-reaching, devastating effects on human society, the natural world, and the environment on a global scale. The many links in the food production chain, particularly agriculture and cattle, are also badly impacted in terms of product sustainability and monetary losses. There has been a considerable drop in meat, milk, and egg production because of the global epidemic. National and international movement limitations enacted as part of public health sector control efforts have impacted the accessibility of inputs for livestock producers and farm outputs, veterinary services, farmworkers, and animal care businesses. As COVID-19 impacted the global livestock sector which is continuing, understanding and implementing sustainable approaches in livestock production is needed for both academia and industry. To respond to this need, this study carried out a systematic review of the existing literature on the impact of COVID‑19 on the sustainability of livestock performance and welfare on a global scale. Significant consequences on livestock performance sustainability, worldwide animal welfare, and mitigation methods are discussed in this paper in light of the recent outbreak of COVID-19.