Strategies for Implementing a One Welfare Framework into Emergency Management

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Emergency Management
• One Welfare

Background:

• Emergency response often overlooks animal welfare due to professional silos and a lack of understanding of human-animal-environment (h-a-e) interdependencies.
• Current emergency management strategies are not fully integrated with animal welfare considerations, leading to suboptimal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the adoption of a One Welfare framework in emergency management.
• To propose strategies for integrating animal welfare into emergency preparedness and response.
• To highlight the importance of h-a-e interdependencies in disaster situations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis of existing emergency management and animal welfare practices.
• Development of the One Welfare framework as a transdisciplinary approach.
• Proposal of actionable strategies for implementation.

Main Results:

• The One Welfare framework offers a holistic approach to emergency management by integrating human, animal, and environmental considerations.
• Key strategies include policy changes, interprofessional education, and recognizing animals as community conduits.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a One Welfare framework is essential for effective animal welfare emergency management (AWEM).
• Transdisciplinary collaboration and policy reform are critical for success.
• Recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health will optimize emergency outcomes.