Invasive animals and wildlife pathogens in the United States: the economic case for more risk assessments and regulation

The United States faces numerous invasions by non-native animal species and wildlife pathogens that pose high risks to the economy, the environment, human health and wildlife health. Nevertheless, the Federal government spends less than $500,000 annually on preventing harmful animal invasions in its “injurious species” listing program under the Lacey Act, which can prohibit imports and interstate commerce in designated taxa. This program is ineffective; numerous costly invasions by intentionally-imported animals have occurred despite the Lacey Act. Additionally, the majority of emerging zoonotic diseases worldwide originate in wildlife and the role the wildlife trade plays in disease emergence is increasing over time. Recent findings demonstrate that conducting risk assessments for the wildlife trade is relatively inexpensive and they can provide net economic benefits for the nation. However, in order to accrue those benefits, dramatic policy improvements are needed centered around developing and funding a proactive, rapid, Federal risk assessment program.