Most epidemics and some pandemics are caused by zoonotic diseases, and these deserve increased attention as they have the potential to cause global crises. Take for example the current pandemic, COVID-19 which has led to national lockdowns, death of millions of people, economic meltdown (Coronavirus recession) and overwhelming of health systems among others. Zoonotic diseases are those that are transmitted from animals to humans.
Majority of emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) originate in animals and have raised increased concern and threat to the human population worldwide, due to their impact. These diseases present a significant threat to global health security. The global impact of emerging and endemic zoonotic diseases on both human and animal populations makes their control and prevention extremely important and brings about the need for a One Health approach with development of collaborations with government backing and policy frameworks to engage veterinary, medical, public health and environmental professionals. A multi-sectorial collaboration creates an effort that is directed to conduct efficient and effective surveillance, develop laboratory capacity, target outbreak response, implement disease control strategies and identify research activities so as to optimize health outcomes for humans, animals and the environment.
Veterinarians are an integral part of an infectious disease public health and environmental health team and should therefore be included in investigative, advisory and legislative parties that are focused on identification, prevention and management of zoonotic diseases. They are equipped with diverse training in practical experience in animal health, knowledge of epidemiology and environmental drivers of disease and should be strategically placed together with other One Health professionals in various fields to respond to the increased zoonotic risk. Veterinarians should take appropriate action to minimize the impact of zoonotic diseases on both human and animal health and this is done by examining animals to detect and determine the nature of disease or injury for the suitable measures to be carried out. Government veterinarians play an essential role nationally in management of notifiable zoonotic diseases and exotic or emerging infectious diseases through surveillance which defines the burden of a particular disease and drives the mitigation measures.
Another role veterinarian’s play is emphasizing animal reservoirs and working collaboratively with public health authorities in relation to animal diseases, with significant human health impacts, to implement risk management strategies in animal populations and manage disease occurrence. There are veterinarians in the research field who are actively involved in identifying risk factors and developing diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment. All these contribute to improved control and management of zoonotic diseases. Private practice veterinarians are in contact with a broad range of animal species daily i.e. companion animals, production animals and wildlife and have the responsibility to advise animal owners and other groups of people who have a high risk of being exposed to pathogens that cause zoonotic diseases (including animal product processing plant workers) to seek medical attention upon suspicion of a zoonotic disease to minimize risk of spread across species.
Lastly, veterinarians should be cognizant of their legal and ethical responsibilities and contact the necessary public health authorities when a zoonotic disease that is notifiable in humans or holds a significant impact on human health is encountered.
As we celebrate One Health Day 2021, let’s protect One as this will help protect All.