Reasons for One Health

a. Rising Zoonotic Diseases

• Over 60% of human infectious diseases are zoonotic (spread between animals and humans).
• Examples: Rabies, anthrax, brucellosis, avian influenza, COVID-19, Ebola.
• Emergence of new zoonosis due to wildlife–human–livestock interaction.

b. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture drives resistance.
• Resistant bacteria (e.g., MRSA, ESBL-producing E. coli) spread across humans, livestock, and environment.
• One Health is needed to coordinate surveillance and stewardship.

c. Globalization and Trade

• Increased movement of animals, humans, and food products spreads pathogens globally.
• Food-borne illnesses (Salmonella, Campylobacter) affect trade and public health.
• One Health ensures compliance with international standards (OIE, Codex, WTO-SPS).

d. Climate Change and Environmental Pressures

• Changing temperatures and rainfall patterns expand the range of vector-borne diseases (malaria, Rift Valley fever).
• Deforestation and habitat destruction increase human–wildlife contact.
• Pollution and waste from farms affect human and animal health.

e. Food Security and Safety

• Livestock are key sources of milk, meat, and eggs; diseases reduce productivity.
• Unsafe food leads to major outbreaks affecting health and economy.
• One Health ensures safe, sufficient, and sustainable food supply.

f. Human–Animal–Environment Interface

• Expansion of intensive farming and urbanization increases cross-species disease risks.
• Wet markets, live animal trade, and wildlife consumption amplify risks of spillover events.

g. Cost-Effectiveness and Efficiency

• Joint surveillance and control programs save resources.
• Coordinated response avoids duplication of work between health sectors.
• Investments in One Health are cheaper than managing pandemics after they occur.

h. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment

• Contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through healthy livestock.
• Supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by reducing zoonosis.
• Protects SDG 15 (Life on Land) through biodiversity conservation.

i. Lessons from Global Pandemics

• SARS, H1N1 influenza, and COVID-19 show how diseases spread rapidly across borders.
• Proved that no single sector can prevent or control such crises alone.
• Reinforces the urgency of adopting One Health at global, national, and local levels.