Tuesday, 26 January 2010 11:42

The World Animal Health Organization study the impact of meat production on climate change, in light of the debate on the contribution of meat to the emission of greenhouse gases.

La iniciativa, que será la primera de la OIE en el ámbito medioambiental, sigue las peticiones de sus países para investigar una duda que ha provocado llamados a consumir menos carne.

It is estimated that meat production generates 18 percent of all emissions of greenhouse gases, according to the Organization of the United Nations Food and Agriculture, and some scientists have said that lower consumption of meat might be a way to combat climate change.

A campaign led by former Beatle Paul McCartney to get people to avoid eating meat once a week has drawn attention to the issue.

People also need to be aware that livestock production generates milk and eggs and meat, "There is yet no scientific model to prove that our planet can do without milk, eggs or meat," the OIE director.

The study is likely to recommend further research to find ways to limit the direct effects of meat production on the environment, Vallat added.

Another focus for this year will reduce OIE rabies cases, leaving 50,000 people dead in the world each year, mainly due to dog bites.

The organization called on developed countries to allocate more money to vaccinate dogs instead of only treating those infected, which is much more expensive, Vallat said.