By Nicky Diver-Clarke (RVN), Veterinary Medical Analyst
A 'One Health' Conversation
Today, the intersection between human and animal health resonates more than ever.
As a veterinary medical analyst, I've witnessed the vital role animals play in global health, disease, and food security. And, with 75% of emerging infections in humans originating from animals[1], there is now a greater need than ever for collaboration and understanding between the human and animal health sectors.
What’s more, there's growing research and recognition of how animals can have a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This understanding is shaping effective healthcare strategies that benefit humans, animals, and the planet alike.
Collaboration over competition
Effective cross-sector collaboration is not just optional; it's imperative - from policymakers to industry leaders, scientists and researchers, pharmaceutical companies, veterinary professionals, and farmers. Tackling these complex challenges requires a united effort.
Recognising the inherent link between human and animal health, it’s time to move away from working in silos and embrace a shared mission of controlling disease. From a united approach to delivering rabies vaccines and education, to providing better food security for our future - by working together these ambitions can become a reality.
Sustainability and Antimicrobial Resistance Advocacy
Sustainable practices are beginning to chip away at the progression of antimicrobial resistance, loss of biodiversity, pollution levels, and climate change, all of which contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases. Sustainability isn’t just about conservation and responsible resource management, it’s also about safeguarding public health and long-term ecosystem preservation.
Highlighting environmentally friendly initiatives and aligning health brands as responsible ‘One Health’ stewards can appeal to diverse audiences and strengthen brand reputation.
Veterinarians as public health guardians
Veterinarians are trained to identify and manage zoonotic diseases, making them indispensable members of the 'One Health' team. Sharing expertise, the ongoing collaboration between veterinary and human health professionals is a big piece of the puzzle, building a comprehensive public health approach.
Prioritising vaccine and parasiticide accessibility is paramount in protecting animal health, and ultimately safeguarding human health
Ensuring widespread access to preventative treatments requires strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. By effectively communicating the importance of prevention for both animal welfare and human health - and gaining public trust through effective, honest communications - companies can support the growing demand for preventatives, such as parasiticides and vaccines, and promote global health security.
The connection between pet ownership and human health
Pet ownership has been scientifically linked to physiological and emotional benefits for humans, including stress reduction, lower blood pressure, and improved cardiovascular health. Companion animals also provide companionship, exercise, and emotional support - which can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with mental ill-health and loneliness. The bond between humans and their pets is unique and powerful, with far-reaching implications for global health.
Healthier together
As we reflect on today’s world, it’s clear that a ‘One Health’ approach holds immense promise, while it also faces certain challenges. One such challenge is the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and communication. Bringing together professionals from different fields can be complex, requiring strategic coordination and stakeholder cooperation. Additionally, there is a need for increased awareness and education about the importance of the intersection of human and animal health.
Proactively addressing these challenges through initiatives such as the effective placement of therapy animals, expanded research on zoonotic diseases and vaccine development, and the broad adoption of sustainable practices, offers a promise for transforming healthcare in remarkable ways.
Leveraging this intersection can foster a world where health is truly more human. By prioritising collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, we can pave the way for a healthier and more resilient future.
Get in touch with our dedicated animal health team and find out how our client-centric approach supports healthier pets and people.
The Animal Health Glossary
Food Security: The economic and physical availability of food, access to food, food utilisation, and stability of food supply, affecting population health.
One Health: An approach to optimise the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems by integrating these fields, rather than keeping them separate.
Nexus: The pivotal connection point in research between human, animal, and environmental health.
Surveillance: Collaborative monitoring of disease outbreaks in both humans and animals.
Vector Borne Disease: Illness spread by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, such as leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, and Zika virus, affecting both animals and humans.
Zoonotic Disease: Infectious diseases transmissible between animals and humans, such as rabies, influenza, brucellosis, and toxoplasmosis.
1. Over 30 new human pathogens have been detected in the last three decades, 75% of which have originated in animals. World Health Organization. News. FAO, OIE launch a guide for countries on taking a One Health approach to addressing zoonotic diseases. [Accessed 25/6/2024]