Veterinary nurses at the forefront of one health: European perspectives

The One Health framework articulates the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health, gaining prominence amid rising zoonotic events, antimicrobial resistance, and biodiversity loss. While veterinary surgeons, physicians, and ecologists are typically emphasized in One Health discourse, the role of university-trained veterinary nurses-whose formal recognition remains nascent in parts of Europe-has received limited attention. Veterinary nurses occupy pivotal positions in clinical practice, implementing infection prevention protocols, conducting zoonotic disease surveillance, and maintaining hygiene standards among staff and clients. They support antimicrobial stewardship through responsible administration and client education, reducing the emergence of resistant pathogens. Additionally, veterinary nurses enhance animal welfare via behavioural assessments, safeguard food safety by supporting livestock health, and facilitate animal-assisted therapy through rigorous evaluation of therapy animals' health and behaviour. Their involvement in disaster response sustains animal health services, contributing to community resilience. As trusted professionals, veterinary nurses also serve as public health educators, leveraging their relationships with animal owners to promote evidence-based guidance on zoonoses prevention, biosecurity, and responsible antimicrobial use. Despite these multifaceted contributions, veterinary nursing practice in Europe is constrained by heterogeneous educational standards, inconsistent legal recognition, and limited participation in policy forums. Professional advocacy has driven incremental reforms; however, systematic harmonization of curricula, regulatory frameworks, and interdisciplinary collaboration remains essential. We argue that empowering veterinary nurses within One Health systems will optimize the early detection and control of shared health threats, strengthening One Health networks across Europe and similar contexts worldwide.