[Human and animal health]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Human Medicine
• Public Health

Context:

• The "One Health" concept highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
• Zoonotic diseases, transmitted between animals and humans, pose significant public health risks.
• Historical collaboration between veterinary and human medicine has yielded crucial advancements, such as early vaccines.

Purpose:

• To emphasize the importance of the "One Health" approach in managing emerging infectious diseases.
• To illustrate the challenges in assessing zoonotic disease transmission risks.
• To underscore the impact of ecosystem changes on public health, as exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Summary:

• Many diseases are zoonoses, requiring a "One Health" perspective for human and animal health.
• Emerging animal diseases present challenges in estimating human transmission risks, potentially leading to health crises.
• The COVID-19 pandemic, linked to ecosystem changes and potential animal reservoirs, highlights the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Impact:

• Effective "One Health" strategies can mitigate the impact of zoonotic diseases on global health.
• Proactive monitoring and research into animal health are essential for early detection and prevention of pandemics.
• Strengthening collaboration between human and animal health sectors is vital for safeguarding public health and consumer confidence.