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ONE HEALTH COMMISSION

The convergence of people, animals, and our environment has created a new dynamic in which the health of each group is inextricably interconnected. The challenges associated with this dynamic are demanding, profound, and unprecedented.

Despite spectacular achievements in microbial genetics and genomics, we know relatively little about how such zoonotic agents are maintained in nature or how they respond to environmental (often anthropogenic) changes. Improvements are needed in our ability to detect and respond to emerging zoonotic agents, particularly those that appear suddenly and are capable of spreading over large areas. In order to more effectively prevent or control zoonotic diseases, it will be necessary to better understand the ecology of their respective etiologic agents.

The One Health Commission is a call to action for collaboration and cooperation among health science professions, academic institutions, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industries towards improved assessment, treatment, and prevention of cross-species disease transmission and mutually prevalent, but non-transmitted, human and animal diseases and medical conditions. A changing environment populated by interconnected animal and human contact creates significant challenges. These challenges require integrated solutions and call for collaborative leadership.