An Economic Model to Measure Costs and Benefits of Eradication

Abstract

Fruit flies can be found in most fruit producing regions throughout the world. Countries such as the United States and Mexico use quarantines, monitoring, and eradication programs to prevent entry of fruit flies, particularly medfly. Other countries with permanent populations frequently entertain notions of large-scale eradication programs. This paper discusses the use of economic tools within a systematic decision framework to measure the costs and benefits of eradication programs. Several conclusions follow from the review and economic analysis. First, a systematic decision framework can aide researchers and policymakers define and structure the problem. Second, eradication programs can affect groups within and outside of agriculture; a comprehensive assessment of the associated costs and benefits should include all relevant impacts. Finally, a comprehensive analysis requires multidiscip1inary teams to develop basic biological data, identify conflicting objectives, and measure the social, economic, and environmental consequences.