Potential Economic Losses From Microplastics in the Livestock Sector: A Study on Selected Animals

ABSTRACT Economic losses in the livestock sector have been done, but how much economic loss is caused by exposure to microplastics in certain animals has never been done. This study aims to analyze the impact of microplastics on economic losses in laboratory animals (mice) and poultry (ducks). The method used was in the form of secondary data analysis on the rate of animal mortality due to exposure to various types of microplastics. The data are used to simulate the amount of production, annual population, and potential economic losses per cycle and per year. Economic value is determined based on the latest prices, and minimum prices. The results showed that exposure to microplastics in animals led to 20% to 80% deaths, with potential annual losses reaching USD 113,568 in rat farmers, while in ducks, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) exposure led to embryo death by 35% and annual losses of up to USD 6,859,091.14. These findings suggest that the economic impact of microplastics has the potential to outweigh losses due to conventional biological threats such as infectious diseases. The study concluded that microplastics can be a significant factor in reducing productivity and causing large economic losses in the livestock sector. The impact of these findings is crucial in driving the need for regulations and mitigation strategies to control microplastic exposure in the farm environment.