One Health Approach to Zoonoses

Defining One Health & Zoonoses - Intro & Impact

• Zoonoses: Diseases naturally transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans.
  • Modes: Direct/indirect contact, vectors, food/waterborne.
  • Impact: Significant global morbidity, mortality; major economic losses (livestock, trade).
• One Health: Collaborative, multisectoral, transdisciplinary approach to health.
  • Recognizes deep interconnection: human health, animal health, environmental health.
  • Goal: Achieve optimal, sustainable health outcomes for all.

⭐ About 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals.

Pillars of One Health - The Health Trinity

• Defines the interconnectedness essential for addressing zoonoses, forming a unified approach.
• Core Components (The Health Trinity):
  • Human Health: Focuses on preventing and managing diseases in human populations.
  • Animal Health: Addresses diseases in domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife; crucial for early zoonotic threat detection.
  • Environmental Health: Considers ecological factors, climate, sanitation, and land use impacting disease transmission.
• Interdependence: Health of humans, animals, and the environment are inextricably linked; actions in one area impact the others.
• Collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach.

  ⭐ Approximately 60% of existing human infectious diseases are zoonotic, and 75% of emerging infectious diseases (e.g., Avian Influenza, COVID-19) originate in animals.

• Goal: Achieve optimal health outcomes for all by recognizing these interconnections.

Practical Application & Strategies - Zoonoses Control In Action

• Core Interventions & Strategies:
  • Integrated Surveillance: Integrated human-animal-env. surveillance; early warning.
  • Vaccination: Mass animal vaccination (Rabies, Brucellosis, FMD); human (JE).
  • Vector Control: IVM for vector-borne diseases (Dengue, JE); multi-modal control.
  • Sanitation & Hygiene: WASH, food/abattoir hygiene, biosecurity.
  • Public Awareness: IEC, risk communication, community engagement.
• Collaborative Framework:
  • Inter-sectoral Coordination: Joint task forces (Health, Veterinary, Wildlife, Environment, local bodies).
  • Data Sharing & Research: Common platforms for zoonotic intelligence; collaborative research.
  • Policy & Legislation: Development & enforcement of harmonized One Health policies.
• Key Indian Examples:
  • National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP).
  • National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) for FMD & Brucellosis.
  • Avian Influenza (H5N1) preparedness & containment.

⭐ National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE) aims for zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

One Health in India - National Scene & Hurdles

• National Standing Committee on Zoonoses (NSCZ): Established in 2006; nodal agency for One Health.
• Programmes & Initiatives:
  • National Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonotic Diseases (erstwhile Programme for Control of Leptospirosis).
  • Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): Strengthens surveillance of human and animal diseases.
  • National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP): Focus on FMD & Brucellosis.
  • National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR).
• Achievements:
  • Improved inter-sectoral coordination (MoHFW, DAHD, MoEFCC).
  • Enhanced surveillance and outbreak response capacities.
• Hurdles:
  • Limited dedicated funding & infrastructure.
  • Weak data sharing mechanisms between sectors.
  • Shortage of trained One Health workforce.
  • Inadequate community participation.

⭐ The National Institute of One Health is proposed to be established in Nagpur, Maharashtra, to serve as a focal point for One Health in India.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

• One Health Triad: Recognizes interlinked health of humans, animals, and the environment in zoonoses.
• Core Principle: Collaboration across multiple disciplines (medical, veterinary, ecological).
• Primary Goals: Early detection, surveillance, rapid response, and prevention of zoonotic diseases.
• Key Zoonoses Addressed: Includes rabies, brucellosis, influenza (e.g., avian, swine), anthrax.
• Strategic Approach: Promotes shared data, joint investigations, and coordinated interventions.
• Global Impact: Essential for tackling emerging/re-emerging zoonoses and pandemics.
• AMR Focus: Addresses antimicrobial resistance spread at human-animal-environment interface.