Summary
An approach linking human, animal and environmental health to tackle problems like zoonoses.
In depth
Recognises that human, animal and plant health and ecosystems are linked. Examples: antimicrobial resistance, zoonoses, food safety and vector-borne disease. Requires collaboration of doctors, vets and ecologists.
Integrates surveillance of humans, animals and environment. Antimicrobial use in agriculture contributes to resistance in people. Climate and land change alter disease risk.
Example: avian influenza monitoring in wild birds and poultry protects human health.
One Health is an integrated approach recognising that the health of people, animals, plants and the shared environment are interconnected. It is especially relevant to zoonoses, diseases that jump from animals to humans, which account for about 60 percent of known infectious diseases and 75 percent of emerging ones.
Examples include rabies, avian influenza, COVID-19, Ebola and Lyme disease. Drivers are land use change, wildlife trade, intensive farming and climate change. Other One Health issues include antimicrobial resistance, food safety and pollution. Collaboration among doctors, vets, ecologists and policymakers allows surveillance and prevention.
Example: vaccinating dogs against rabies protects people.
Frequently asked questions
What is One Health?
An approach linking human, animal and environmental health to tackle problems like zoonoses.
Which area of biology covers One Health, and how advanced is it?
One Health is one of the 54 topics in Marine & Environmental Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Harmful Algal Blooms, Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture.
Why does One Health matter?
Preventing spillover is cheaper than responding to pandemics.
Can you give an example of One Health?
Rabies control through dog vaccination protects people.
What should I learn before One Health?
Work through the Beginner topics in Marine & Environmental Biology first, such as Oceans, Ocean Zones, Plankton, then return to One Health. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to One Health?
The closest topics to One Health are Harmful Algal Blooms, Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture, Renewable Energy. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand One Health?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for One Health. To practise the whole of Marine & Environmental Biology, use the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz.
How is One Health different from Harmful Algal Blooms?
One Health: An approach linking human, animal and environmental health to tackle problems like zoonoses. Harmful Algal Blooms: Toxin-producing algae multiply in nutrient-rich water, poisoning shellfish and marine life. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study One Health step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Harmful Algal Blooms and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.