One World, One Health: Preventing Zoonoses
United for Health: Combatting Zoonoses Globally
Dr. Rutik Namdev Pawar1* and Dr. Sanjay Kumar Bharti2
1MVSc Scholar, Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, DUVASU Mathura (281001), India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, DUVASU Mathura (281001), India
Abstract :
The interconnectedness of animals, humans, and the environment brings both benefits and challenges, including the spread of zoonoses and chronic diseases influenced by antimicrobial resistance and environmental pollution. Addressing these issues requires interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration. “One Health” (OH) embodies this approach, involving coordination among experts in public health, healthcare, veterinary science, environmental science, and related fields to promote overall health for people, animals, and the environment.To effectively implement OH and combat zoonotic diseases, there is an urgent need for systematic surveillance, regulated antibiotic use, a national zoonotic registry, and a broad network of stakeholders from academia, research, industry, and government. The approach engages various sectors, disciplines, and communities at different societal levels to collaboratively promote well-being and address threats to health and ecosystems. It focuses on ensuring access to clean water, energy, and air, providing safe and nutritious food, addressing climate change, and supporting sustainable development. The WHO has released the “One Health Approach Action Supplementary Document Roadmap to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases Until 2021-2030” to guide countries and organizations in addressing zoonotic threats. Effectively combating zoonoses requires a unified global effort, implementing International Health Regulations, the Global Health Security Agenda, and One Health strategies.
Keywords: One World, One Health; Zoonotic Diseases; WHO, Environment.
Introduction :
One World,one health is a collaborative, multisectoral approach that operates across local, regional, national, and global levels. It aims to achieve optimal health outcomes by recognizing and addressing the interconnections between humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment (One Health Basics Fact Sheet). The concept of “One Health” emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to prevent and control zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are infections that spread between animals and humans and are a significant source of emerging infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with outbreaks of avian influenza and Ebola, underscores the global impact of zoonotic diseases. The Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016 resulted in over 28,600 cases in West Africa and additional cases in Italy, Spain, the UK, and the US. Over 60% of pathogens that infect humans are zoonotic. Countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and India experience the highest burden of these diseases, leading to widespread illness and mortality. (Jones K et al.,2008). A study by the International Livestock Research Institute in India found that 13 zoonoses account for 2.4 billion cases of human disease and 2.2 million deaths annually.
Global One Health Governance :
To effectively manage zoonotic risks, global One Health governance must be established, involving all relevant sectors—public health, animal health, food safety, plant health, and the environment. This governance should focus on deep prevention by addressing the sources of zoonotic diseases rather than just their spread. An upstream approach is needed, considering factors like environmental degradation, wildlife trade, and climate change. Practical implementation requires real-time communication, collaboration, and data management through user-friendly platforms, adhering to FAIR data principles for transparency and accessibility.
National Action Plan for One Health
To implement the One Health approach for zoonotic risk prevention, a national action plan is essential. This plan should foster collaboration among all stakeholders, including the private sector and citizens, and align with best practices and existing initiatives to avoid duplication. It must enhance national and international coordination and facilitate rapid information exchange, supported by a robust open-access data system that adheres to FAIR principles. This system should integrate data from various sources like WHO, WOAH, FAO, ECDC, EEA, UNEP, EFSA, and ECHA. (Deiana G et al.,2024). Additionally, the plan should offer accessible education and communication strategies for diverse stakeholders, raising awareness of the risks associated with their activities and promoting informed decision-making to protect biodiversity, animal health, and human health.
Enhancing Surveillance and Monitoring
Established surveillance and monitoring programs in public health, animal health, and wildlife must continue, with an added focus on prevention. By integrating anticipatory measures, these programs can provide evidence-based foresight and precautionary actions, complementing rapid response efforts. Enhanced systems should cover a broader range of pathogens, including unknown ones, and involve human, wildlife, and environmental surveillance, using novel methods like eDNA. (One World, One Health Summary). A nationally integrated surveillance system with long-term funding will align and improve cross-sectoral collaboration, leading to more coherent data, joint risk assessments, and better coordination. This approach will address overlaps, enhance data sharing, and increase cost-efficiency in monitoring efforts.
Shifting Societal Paradigms for Long-Term Health and Sustainability
Implementing a long-term societal shift requires public authorities to adapt their decision-making processes, establishing a new institutional culture based on the One Health approach with regular interdisciplinary coordination among various competencies and ministries. Academics, researchers, and professionals across sectors must also align their structures and thinking to support this change. Citizens, particularly future generations, are crucial for sustaining these efforts. They should be engaged at local, regional, and national levels through comprehensive educational programs that go beyond basic information about pathogens or disease risks. Government initiatives should empower citizens with education and skills for informed decision-making, promoting individual well-being and a sustainable future. Addressing behavior and structural changes also involves considering socio-economic factors. Strategies to prevent zoonotic risks must incorporate cultural beliefs and traditions, using a community-based approach that includes social classes, urban distribution, cultural heritage, family dynamics, poverty, inequality, and geography.
Strengthening Funding and Coordination
To advance the One Health approach, more long-term and coordinated funding is essential for aligning research, avoiding duplication, and fostering innovation at national and European levels. Targeted funding opportunities should be established for specific research areas, such as pathogen studies in bats. Current funding is fragmented across federal, regional, and community levels, complicating support for multidisciplinary projects. Therefore, innovative cross-regional funding tools are needed to consolidate ideas and solutions. Strong financial support for research and innovation in prevention and surveillance will address knowledge gaps and improve strategies to prevent zoonotic risks at their source.
Protecting Ecosystems to Prevent Diseases
Maintaining natural ecosystems is crucial for preventing zoonotic and vector-borne diseases and pandemics. Nations should use diplomatic channels and collaborate with partner governments to safeguard high-integrity ecosystems and halt the commercial wildlife trade for human consumption. (National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) Division of Global Migration Health (DGMH).
The One Health Approach
The One Health approach emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve optimal health outcomes, encompassing:
Human Health
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Establishing systems for the detection and monitoring of zoonotic diseases in humans.
- Vaccination Programs: Developing and implementing vaccines to curb the spread of zoonotic diseases.
- Public Health Initiatives: Executing programs and activities designed to manage and prevent zoonotic diseases.
Animal Health
- Veterinary Care: Delivering appropriate medical interventions to maintain animal health.
- Husbandry Practices: Adhering to best practices in animal management to ensure their well-being and health.
- Disease Surveillance: Tracking and monitoring diseases in both livestock and wildlife to prevent potential outbreaks.
Environmental Health
- Ecosystem Management: Safeguarding ecosystems to prevent disease transmission.
- Pollution Control: Minimizing environmental pollutants to enhance ecological health.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Employing farming practices that protect the environment and mitigate the risk of zoonotic diseases.
One Health & Travel Medicine
International travelers can be exposed to zoonotic diseases not only through direct or indirect contact with animals or arthropod vectors but also via contaminated surfaces, freshwater sources, and food or beverages. Identifying potential exposure sources related to a traveler’s destination, itinerary, and activities is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment and can help prevent further disease transmission. A One Health approach benefits travelers by ensuring they are informed about zoonotic and other infectious disease risks at their destinations. Health care providers should advise travelers to avoid high-risk environments, such as wildlife markets and farms. If visiting such areas is unavoidable, consider recommending preventive measures like rabies vaccination or prophylactic antibiotics.
Zoonotic Disease Vectors
Diseases like plague (caused by Yersinia pestis), rickettsial infections, and yellow fever are transmitted by insect vectors. Travelers can reduce their risk of exposure by following insect prevention measures and conducting regular tick checks on themselves and their pets.
Zoonotic Foodborne Exposures
Foodborne pathogens often have animal reservoirs, so consuming raw or undercooked animal products can expose travelers to zoonotic diseases. In many developing countries, unpasteurized milk and dairy products can pose risks for pathogens such as Brucella, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, and Listeria. Travelers should avoid bushmeat, including raw or partially processed meat from bats, primates, rodents, or other wild animals. To minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, travelers should eat only fully cooked meats, eggs, fish, and shellfish, and drink only pasteurized milk and dairy products.
The Critical Role of Food Traceability in Disease Prevention
Food traceability is essential for managing and preventing infectious diseases transmitted through the food supply. Effective traceability systems allow for the rapid and accurate identification of contamination sources, enable targeted recalls, prevent further consumption of tainted products, and curb the spread of foodborne illnesses. Beyond handling crises, traceability is a vital part of preventive health strategies, mitigating the risk of large-scale outbreaks and enhancing food safety. The significance of these systems was underscored by the mad cow disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, BSE) outbreak, which revealed that prions could be transmitted to herbivores through meat-based feeds. (One World One Health Vision Towards Prevention of Zoonotic Disease Emergence A paradigm shift from response to deep prevention). This crisis led to the development of stringent traceability and tracking systems to prevent future occurrences.
The Growing Importance of One Health in Addressing 21st Century Challenges
The One Health concept is increasingly crucial in tackling the complex issues of the 21st century. Globalization and rapid urbanization have intensified the connections between people, animals, and goods across borders, leading to a heightened spread of diseases. In response, advancements in technologies such as genomic sequencing, AI, and remote sensing offer enhanced disease surveillance, environmental monitoring, and a deeper understanding of the interactions between human, animal, and environmental health.
Climate Change: Shaping Global Narratives and Driving Action
Climate-related concerns have surged to the forefront of global awareness, significantly influencing political, social, and economic discussions. Increasing recognition of climate change, driven by alarming scientific data and the visible impacts of extreme weather, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss, has created an urgent global response. This heightened awareness has spurred innovation in renewable energy and led to the adoption of stricter environmental policies worldwide. In essence, climate issues are reshaping public opinion and promoting a new paradigm focused on sustainability and a collective commitment to planetary health.
Key Strategies for Zoonosis Prevention :
Surveillance and Monitoring
Developing comprehensive surveillance systems for the early detection and monitoring of zoonotic diseases in both humans and animals, facilitating prompt response and containment.
Vaccination Programs
Creating and deploying vaccines for humans and animals to prevent zoonotic disease spread, crucial for controlling outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.
Public Awareness and Education
Raising awareness about zoonotic diseases, their transmission routes, and preventive measures to reduce risky behaviors and promote healthy practices within communities.
Veterinary and Medical Collaboration
Fostering collaboration between veterinarians and medical professionals to share expertise, resources, and strategies for effective disease prevention and control.
Research and Innovation
Investing in research to enhance understanding of zoonotic diseases, and developing new diagnostic tools, treatments, and vaccines. Advances in technology and science are key to improving disease management and prevention.
Environmental Management
Preserving natural habitats, regulating wildlife trade, and addressing environmental factors that contribute to zoonotic disease spread. Sustainable practices in agriculture and land use are critical for maintaining ecosystem balance.
Preventing Public Health Issues with One Health Approach
The FAO/WHO/OIE document highlights essential elements for preventing public health issues through the One Health approach:
- Infrastructure and Expertise: Ensure availability at national and regional levels.
- Timely Identification and Communication: Facilitate prompt detection and communication between animal and human health sectors.
- Emergency Preparedness: Maintain an up-to-date response plan.
- Risk Communication: Effectively convey risk levels.
- Compliance: Adhere to international agreements and standards.
- Biosecurity: Regularly assess and enhance biosecurity measures.
- Management and Legislation: Align with international standards.
- Laboratory Capacity: Support laboratories with external quality assurance.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust systems for veterinary and public health services.
- Legal Framework: Develop incentives through collaboration with the private sector.
Conclusion :
In essence, the One Health concept goes beyond being just a theoretical framework; it is an essential practice in our interconnected world. It demands a cooperative, multi-sectoral, and interdisciplinary strategy that combines human, animal, and environmental health. With the rising incidence of zoonotic, parasitic, and infectious diseases, it is crucial for governments, international bodies, health professionals, and global communities to adopt and integrate the One Health approach to protect the health of our planet and its residents. The world’s environment and human and animal populations are closely intertwined, and all three are currently at risk of extinction due to various factors. The only way to combat this alarming problem is through a coordinated global effort to implement the International health regulations, global health security agenda and One Health approaches, the latter being a comprehensive approach that targets the entire ecosystem. Coordination should be established between all stakeholders, including public health and veterinary authorities and agencies, environmental protection agencies, industry, research institutions, livestock traders and practitioners, and society at large. It is time for the world to come together and do all we can to protect the home ecosystem we all share.
References
- One Health Basics Fact Sheet. [Last accessed on 2019 Sep 06]. Available from: https://wwwcdcgov/onehealth/basics/indexhtml
- Jones KE, Patel NG, Levy MA, Storeygard A, Balk D, Gittleman JL, et al. Global trends in emerging infectious diseases. Nature. 2008;451:990–3.
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
Division of Global Migration Health (DGMH) - Deiana G, Arghittu A, Dettori M, Castiglia P. One World, One Health: Zoonotic Diseases, Parasitic Diseases, and Infectious Diseases. Healthcare. 2024; 12(9):922. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090922
- Belgian One World One Health Vision Towards Prevention of Zoonotic Disease Emergence A paradigm shift from response to deep prevention
- One World, One Health Summary of the FAO/OIE/WHO Document. FAO/WHO/OIE.
