Smart management of insects is key to maintaining human health and strong economies. This seminar addresses the economics of two novel management approaches in which Cairns-based researchers have leading roles. Wolbachia is a promising tool to control transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika infections in humans. Sterile insect technique (SIT), a valuable tool for controlling the Queensland fruit fly, can help maintain the right of two Australian states to export untreated fresh fruit to prime markets. Economic analysis is ascertaining the costs, benefits, and best uses of both approaches.
Donald S. Shepard, Ph.D., FASTMH, is currently the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Applied Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University in Australia and Flinders University (Adelaide), and Professor at the Schneider Institutes for Health Policy at the Heller School, Brandeis University. Director of the Institutes' group on cost and value, he is a health economist concerned with maintaining and improving health the United States and internationally. His major concentrations include cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis around