One Welfare

• One Welfare is an extension of the One Health concept.
• Recognizes the interconnectedness of animal welfare, human well-being, and the environment.
• Emphasizes that improving animal welfare can lead to benefits for human society, communities, and ecosystems.
• According to the International One Welfare Network: “One Welfare is a framework linking animal welfare and human well-being while considering the environmental impact”.
• Focuses on practical outcomes: better animal care = healthier people + safer environment.

Key Principles

• Animal Welfare and Human Well-being are interconnected: Healthy, well-treated animals contribute to food security, livelihood, mental health, and social stability.
• Shared Responsibility: Farmers, veterinarians, policymakers, and communities must work together.
• Environmental Sustainability: Practices that promote welfare (e.g., pasture access, proper waste management) also benefit the ecosystem.
• Prevention of Disease: Reducing animal stress and disease lowers zoonotic risks to humans.

Areas of Focus

• Livestock Production Systems: Improving housing, feeding, and handling reduces animal stress and increases productivity.
• Companion Animals: Mental health benefits for humans through pet ownership and responsible care.
• Wildlife and Ecosystem Health: Welfare-friendly wildlife management preserves biodiversity and prevents zoonosis.
• Disaster Management: Protecting animals during natural disasters ensures human food security and reduces economic losses.

Examples in Practice

• Farm Animal Welfare Programs: Humane handling improves productivity and reduces disease transmission.
• Pet Therapy Programs: Companion animal welfare linked to human mental health benefits.
• Integrated Disaster Response: Saving livestock during floods protects human food supply and income.
• Sustainable Livestock Management: Proper grazing, shelter, and waste management improve animal welfare and environmental health.

Relationship with One Health

• One Welfare complements One Health by adding animal welfare and human societal well-being into the framework.
• Both concepts advocate multidisciplinary collaboration but One Welfare explicitly links ethics, social welfare, and animal care.