One Health is not a new concept. In recent years, many factors have altered how people, animals, and the environment interact, resulting in the emergence and re-emergence of numerous diseases. Human population expansion places more people in close contact with wild and domestic animals creating greater opportunities for diseases to move between animals and humans. The earth is also experiencing major changes in climate and land use. Ecosystems and habitats create new pathways for disease transmission among animals and people. In addition, international travel and trade have increased, enabling diseases to spread across the globe more rapidly than ever before. Effective public health interventions depend on strong cooperation between the human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Through such collaboration, we can work toward optimal health outcomes for people, animals, and the ecosystems we share. Experts and communities must work together to support the One Health approach. It brings together a wide range of professionals—including disease detectives, laboratorians, healthcare providers, veterinarians, physicians, nurses, scientists, ecologists, and policy makers—to safeguard the health of people, animals (pets, livestock, and wildlife), and the environment.
Partnerships and communication across the animal, human, and environmental health disciplines are at the heart of One Health. This approach also extends to other organizations and groups working to address shared health threats. By working together, we can create the greatest impact and strengthen health outcomes for both people and animals.