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!

Hantavirus Update: Cruise Ship-Associated Andes Virus Outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health partners are responding to a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Testing confirmed the virus involved is the Andes virus, a rare type of hantavirus found mainly in parts of South America. Hantaviruses are usually spread through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings, and saliva. The Andes virus is the only hantavirus known to spread from person to person, but spread is uncommon and usually requires prolonged close contact with someone who is sick. At this time, the risk to the general public in the United States remains very low, and routine travel can continue as normal. CDC and state health departments continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance to healthcare providers and travelers. For more information, visit our Hantavirus 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 website. You can also explore these additional resources: Chagas Disease Fact Sheet (available in English | Spanish) and information on kissing bug look-alikes.

The Reemergence of New Age 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 for additional information on New Age Screwworm.