How One Health Instrumentalizes Nonhuman Animals

Area of Science:

• * One Health (OH) research
• * Animal ethics
• * Zoonotic disease epidemiology

Background:

• * The dominant One Health paradigm often instrumentalizes nonhuman animals, prioritizing human interests.
• * This anthropocentric focus raises ethical concerns regarding sustainability, justice, and compassion.
• * Current approaches may not adequately address the root causes of zoonotic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To critically examine anthropocentrism and animal exploitation within the One Health framework.
• * To propose an alternative, rights-based approach for promoting health and well-being for all species.
• * To advocate for policies that challenge nonhuman animal exploitation to mitigate zoonotic risks.

Main Methods:

• * Critical analysis of One Health literature and ethical frameworks.
• * Philosophical inquiry into animal rights and self-determination.
• * Review of zoonotic disease origins and policy implications.

Main Results:

• * The current One Health model is unsustainable and unjust due to its narrow focus on human benefit.
• * Nonhuman animal instrumentalization exacerbates risks associated with zoonotic diseases.
• * A rights-based approach offers a more ethical and effective strategy for long-term health security.

Conclusions:

• * Rethinking anthropocentrism in One Health is crucial for ethical and sustainable practices.
• * Granting nonhuman animals rights against exploitation is essential for preventing zoonotic diseases.
• * Addressing root causes of zoonosis requires challenging animal exploitation through policy and action.