Description
The Veterinary Services (VS) branch of the United States Animal and Plant Inspection
Service (APHIS) has enacted an initiative (VS2015) to streamline and retool existing VS
operations. Within the initiative, VS identified a special group of priority issues to be
addressed in 2011 and 2012, including One Health. In addition to integrating One
Health initiatives into daily VS activities, VS plans to continue to build new
collaborations and partnerships in the One Health community. Short-term projects have
been developed with One Health partners, and more are being encouraged. VS also
created a pilot One Health Coordination Office to manage activities and be a point of
contact for VS personnel and One Health partners. The group began its work in January
2011 and has established multidisciplinary teams of VS personnel to help develop
operational, communication, and training plans for One Health.
Purpose
As the government’s animal health authority, APHIS VS will contribute expertise,
infrastructure, networks, and systems to partner effectively in a multi-disciplinary,
multi-level (local, state, national, and international) collaborative approach to promote
healthy animals, people, ecosystems, and society.
Scope National – United States
Primary Funders
VS relies on federal funding from United States Department of Agriculture. The
additional funds needed for implementing the VS One Health strategic plan have not
been confirmed, but there is interest and support from the US Secretary of Agriculture.
Resource shortages (personnel, funding) are a definite obstacle.
Participants & Key Collaborators
Other government agencies, One Health programs, and non-governmental
organizations.
Definition of One Health
The convergence of people, animals, and our environment has created a powerful
dynamic through which the health of animals is inextricably linked with the health of
people and the viability of ecosystems.
Monitoring & Evaluation Strategy
There is an approved strategic plan for implementing One Health activities within APHIS
VS, including specific goals, timelines for action, and indicators of success. If a
permanent APHIS VS One Health Coordination Office is established, one of its primary
responsibilities would be monitoring the implementation and progress of the strategic
plan.
Sources of Information
VS2015 One Health Strategic Plan:
Contact VS One Health Coordination Office, VS.OHCO@aphis.usda.gov
(Dr. Joseph Annelli, Dr. Lynn Creekmore, Dr. Thomas Gomez, Dr. Katherine
Marshall, and Dr. Sarah Tomlinson)
