One Health

Connecting human, animal, and environmental health

One Health is an approach that recognizes that people's health is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. Although One Health is not new, it has become more important in recent years because many factors have changed interactions between people, animals, plants, and our environment. Click the image to enlarge.

• Human populations are growing and expanding into new geographic areas. As a result, more people live in close contact with wild and domestic animals, both livestock and pets. Animals play an important role in our lives, whether for food, fiber, livelihoods, travel, sport, education, or companionship. Close contact with animals and their environments allows diseases to pass between animals and people.
• The Earth has experienced climate and land use changes, such as deforestation and intensive farming practices. Disruptions in environmental conditions and habitats can allow diseases to pass to animals.
• International travel and trade have increased the movement of people, animals, and animal products. As a result, diseases can spread quickly across borders and around the globe.

These changes have led to the spread of existing or known (endemic) and new or emerging zoonotic diseases, which can spread between animals and people.

Common One Health issues include emerging, re-emerging, and endemic zoonotic diseases, neglected tropical diseases, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and food security, environmental contamination, climate change, and other health threats shared by people, animals, and the environment.

The One Health approach can:

• Prevent outbreaks of zoonotic disease in animals and people.
• Improve food safety and security.
• Reduce antimicrobial-resistant infections and improve human and animal health.
• Protect global health security.

What's New!

The Reemergence of New World Screwworm: A Flesh-Eating Parasite

New World Screwworm (NWS) myiasis is typically a disease of animals, especially livestock, but can also affect wildlife, pets, and people. NWS is typically found in South America, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, but Mexico and countries in Central America are reporting cases in both animals and people. You may be at an increased risk for NWS infestation if you travel to areas where the flies are present, particularly in areas near infested livestock or other infested animals, and if you have an open wound. Visit the CDC About New World Screwworm page for additional information on New World Screwworm.

Salmonella Outbreaks Alert: Staying Safe Around Backyard Poultry

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials are investigating multiple multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry, including chickens and ducks. Cases have been reported in several states, with children under 5 years old making up a significant portion of illnesses. Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs even when they appear healthy and clean, and the bacteria can easily spread through contact with birds, eggs, feed containers, coops, or other items in their environment. Symptoms of Salmonella infection may include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting, and dehydration, with severe illness more likely in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. To reduce the risk of illness, wash hands thoroughly after handling poultry or eggs, keep poultry supplies outside the home, supervise children around flocks, and avoid kissing or snuggling birds. Proper egg handling and cooking are also important to prevent infection. For the latest outbreak updates and prevention guidance, visit the CDC Salmonella and Backyard Poultry page.

Chagas Disease Alert: Rare but Serious Risk from Kissing Bugs

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is primarily spread through the bite of infected kissing bugs, which are found in the southern U.S., including Alabama. While most U.S. cases come from travel to Central or South America, kissing bugs in the U.S. can potentially transmit the parasite to humans. Early infection may cause fever, fatigue, or swelling near the bite or around the eye, but if untreated, the disease can become chronic and lead to serious heart or digestive problems years later. Kissing bugs often live in cracks and crevices of homes or animal shelters and feed on both people and pets at night. Sealing up entry points, reducing outdoor lighting, and keeping sleeping areas clean can help prevent exposure. For prevention tips and more information on Chagas Disease, visit the CDC Chagas Disease website. You can also explore this additional resource: Chagas Disease Fact Sheet (available in English | Spanish).