November 3 marks the seventh annual One Health Day. The global campaign promotes the need for a One Health approach to address health threats shared among people, animals, plants, and our shared environment. As our world becomes more connected, the need for One Health increases, to protect health for all and prevent the economic and societal disruptions that come with disease outbreaks and other shared health threats. Recognizing the connections between people, animals, and our environment means we can solve problems threatening us all.
A One Health approach helps achieve the best health for people, animals, and our environment, understanding they are all connected. With a One Health approach, we can
- Prevent outbreaks of zoonotic disease
- Improve food safety and security
- Reduce antimicrobial-resistant infections
- Improve human and animal health
One Health is more than zoonotic diseases. It also includes
- Antibiotic use and resistance
- Food safety and security
- Vector-borne diseases
- Environmental health
- Climate change
- Chronic diseases
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Occupational health and safety
Swine veterinarians continue to be leaders in One Health. Many of the AASV committees address One Health topics, and the AASV mission embraces a One Health approach. It is the mission of the AASV to:
- increase the knowledge of swine veterinarians
- protect and promote the health and well-being of pigs
- advocate science-based approaches to veterinary, industry, and public health issues
- promote the development and availability of resources that enhance the effectiveness of professional activities
- create opportunities that inspire personal and professional growth and interaction
- mentor students, encouraging life-long careers as swine veterinarians