The parasitic zoonoses human cysticercosis (Taenia solium), taeniasis (other Taenia species) and
trichinellosis (Trichinella species) are endemic in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This study
was designed to quantify the economic burden pig-associated zoonotic disease pose in Lao PDR. In particular,
the analysis included estimation of the losses in the pork industry as well as losses due to human illness and lost
productivity. A Markov-probability based decision-tree model was chosen to form the basis of the calculations
to estimate the economic and public health impacts of taeniasis, trichinellosis and cysticercosis. Two different
decision trees were run simultaneously on the model’s human cohort. A third decision tree simulated the
potential impacts on pig production. The human capital method was used to estimate productivity loss. The
results found varied significantly depending on the rate of hospitalisation due to neurocysticerosis. This study
is the first systematic estimate of the economic impact of pig-associated zoonotic diseases in Lao PDR that
demonstrates the significance of the diseases in that country.