Intangible and Economic Impacts of Hendra Virus Prevention Strategies.

This paper delves into a comparative study of two prevention strategies for the lethal Hendra virus (HeV) — vaccination and flying fox roost removal. It reveals that considering intangible impacts alongside economic factors, vaccinating horses acts as the more appealing and cost-efficient alternative over roost removal for managing HeV.

Objective of the Research

• The main goal of the study was to analyze the economic and intangible impacts of two different Hendra virus (HeV) prevention strategies, one involving a vaccination protocol and the other concerning flying fox roost removal.

Methodology

• The researchers used a theoretical case study approach in which they incorporated a recently developed framework considering various stakeholder perspectives.
• The stakeholders’ views regarding intangible factors were determined based on public discussions and media coverage. The application of sociological analysis in this regard underlines the comprehensive nature of the study.

Key Findings

• The study found that for all stakeholder groups, adding the horse vaccination option refined the economic results when the intangible impacts were also considered in the analysis.
• Conversely, the option of roost removal universally decreased the value of the economic analysis when intangible impacts were added.
• According to the observed stakeholder-adjusted value ratios, the vaccination strategy was seen to have inflated value when intangible impacts were considered, thereby reinforcing the advantages of a traditional economic analysis.
• On the other hand, the roost removal strategy had deflated value ratios, which further highlighted its costly nature.

Conclusions and Further Study

• The results of this theoretical study suggest that including intangible impacts amplifies the value of a two-dose initial vaccination protocol offering complete protection for horses as a strategy to control HeV, compared to roost removal, which becomes an even more expensive strategy.
• One notable finding was that the study’s results tend to be particularly sensitive to the intangible value placed on human health.
• The authors concluded their study by suggesting that a further evaluation of the values placed on intangible aspects by various stakeholder groups would be beneficial, making use of sociological methods.