Strengthening One Health Through Investments in Agricultural Preparedness

There are links among agriculture and zoonotic diseases, transboundary diseases in domesticated and wild animals, climate patterns, and human population migrations. A natural or intentionally occurring high-consequence infectious disease ("biothreat") often has no geographic boundaries and has the potential to result in disease epidemics in humans, animals, or both. Although significant strides have been made globally in preparing for a natural or intentional introduction of an emerging and/or zoonotic disease, much remains to be accomplished. Enhancing animal health and well-being is a vital component to enable a sustainable, safe, and nutritious food supply for global food economies. This article explores the biothreat environment, its One Health interrelationship, and the significance and role of US agriculture in One Health. We provide an overview of the US Emergency Medical Countermeasure Enterprise (EMCE) and current state of veterinary and zoonotic medical countermeasures portfolio management in the US government, veterinary biologic industry, not-for-profit groups, and public-private partnerships. The highest zoonotic and epizootic threats to the US livestock industry are briefly reviewed, and currently available veterinary medical countermeasures are presented. Lastly, important gaps and priorities are identified, followed by specific recommendations to address these gaps.