How is One Health used in relation to zoonotic disease?

• A. To prioritize human economic gains over animal welfare.
• B. To coordinate prevention, preparedness, and response efforts to disease.
• C. To isolate human health from animal health.
• D. To standardize pet licensing.

Answer: (B)

One Health is an integrated approach recognizing that human, animal, and environmental health influence each other. In relation to zoonotic disease, this means coordinating prevention, surveillance, preparedness, and response across human health, veterinary, and environmental sectors. By sharing data, resources, and expertise among physicians, veterinarians, public health authorities, ecologists, and wildlife professionals, we can detect threats earlier, perform joint risk assessments, and mount cohesive actions such as vaccination campaigns, farm biosecurity, wildlife disease monitoring, and clear risk communication. This collaborative effort helps reduce transmission at the animal–human interface while supporting both animal welfare and public health. It’s not about isolating health sectors, narrowing to licensing tasks, or pursuing economic gains over welfare.