The current value of global trade has reached a staggering annual figure of $6 trillion in merchandise crossing borders. Such prolific global trading has, at the same time, begun to raise fears of pandemics and concerns for global health. Yet, investment in public health infrastructure and disease control was never designed to cope with international trade of this volume and diversity. Indeed, most health systems lag far behind, especially in poor countries. This has created new vulnerabilities for global populations to the introduction and amplification of infection through trade. Public fears have been further heightened by frightening news reports of deadly diseases such as Mad Cow disease and E. Coli. Risky Trade: Infectious Disease in the Era of Global Trade provides a thorough examination of the actual risks posed by disease in the age of globalization. Drawing on the economics of international trade and epidemiology, the author explores the critical health issues arising from the enormous increase in global trade and travel. Issues covered include: ¢ The scale of the problem with particular reference to the Sakai outbreak of E. Coli; ¢ Risks from particular microbes - Enteric and viral infections; Highly infectious agents; Antimicrobial resistance; and, Stealth agents; ¢ Global outbreaks as a result of human travel and trade; ¢ Prevention, surveillance and control; ¢ The future health of global trading. In addition to highlighting the problems, the book also addresses some of the potential benefits the same globalization can bring to epidemic control through surveillance, diagnostics, treatment and investigation. The empirical approach ties together existing descriptions and case studies of epidemics building a comprehensive framework for examining new events and considering historical experience with infectious outbreaks. The volume will be a valuable guide to students, academics, practitioners, and policy makers in the areas of international trade, health economics, epidemiology, international/public health and disease control.

This book examines the risks of epidemic disease posed by the modern era of accelerated global trade. Conversely, it also addresses some of the potential benefits the same globalization can bring to epidemic control through surveillance, diagnostics, treatment, and investigation. The empirical approach ties together existing descriptions and case studies of epidemics building a comprehensive framework for examining new events and considering historical experience with infectious outbreaks. Thus the work helps demythologize some of the scare stories associated with global trade such as nvCJD and puts them into their proper scientific context.

'...a must-read for policy makers in health and trade, and for captains of industry who want to keep their ships sailing smoothly in a world where infectious diseases are easily transported across international borders by humans, insects, agricultural products and livestock.' David L. Heymann, MD, Executive Director, Communicable Diseases, World Health Organization 'At a time when world leaders are increasingly aware of public health's importance to security, economics, development and human dignity, Professor Kimball's Risky Trade: Infectious Disease in the Era of Global Trade illuminates with a master's touch the complexities of what is a defining 21st-century challenge - managing globalization's acceleration of the age-old struggle between people and pathogens.' David P. Fidler, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA '...[a] frightening and fascinating book...all the more scary because it is so coolly argued. Scholarly and accessible, Ann Marie Kimball's text is rational but far from dispassionate, arguing that intensive global co-operation is needed to prevent and manage a situation that is spiralling out of control.' Nursing Standard 'This volume addresses an important issue...the author is congratulated on producing a thoughtful, insightful book that fills a real gap in the literature. Perhaps most importantly, the book is very readable...this book should be of interest to all those concerned with the future of global health, and those interested in economic structures that influence microbial traffic.' Journal of Biosocial Science '...a timely reminder to governments and public health workers that the world-wide ecological changes taking place as a result of rapid urbanization, new agricultural policies and deforestation are driving animal microbes to new hosts in humans.' Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health 'In Risky Trade, Ann Marie Kimball uses her extensive experience in domestic and internationa