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The health of humans is linked to the health of animals, both of which are linked to the health of the environment.
That’s the concept behind One Health, a global initiative and movement that unites human and veterinary medicine and other disciplines in efforts to combat zoonotic disease outbreaks and advance public health preparedness.
At the state level, Gov. Josh Green issued a proclamation declaring January “Hawaii One Health Month”.
“This initiative signals that Hawaii has been and will continue to be a leader in one health, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health,” said veterinarian and advocate Dr. Neil Vezeau said. “Within the United States and the world, Hawaii is unique in the diversity of life on land, sea, and air that it brings together. With this come many disease and ecological risks, both man-made and not. It is important to address and even prevent these issues.
Advocates, who include the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society, say the proclamation raises awareness of and increases one-health efforts in the state.
This is increasingly important as the world deals with infectious diseases, zoonotic diseases (diseases spread by animals) as well as the effects of climate change and habitat loss – and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past 30 years, 75% of new human pathogens have originated in animals, according to Vazeau, and many common causes of infection, such as E. coli and Salmonella, are shared with animals and readily found within the environment Huh.
Dr. Jill Yoshisedo, executive vice president of the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, said awareness of the One Health approach helps with decision-making, especially for leaders looking to address issues such as climate change and emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19 or avian want to address comprehensively. Influenza.
As more and more humans encroach on wild habitats and interact with non-domesticated animal species, he said, there are more opportunities for viruses or other infectious organisms to spread and mutate into forms that could lead to global pandemics. Can
Pesticides also have harmful effects on bee populations, which in turn affect pollination, crop yields, and the human food supply.
“Thinking about how our health is linked to animal health and environmental health,” she said, “also informs our personal daily decisions: our food choices, the products we buy, the appropriate use of antibiotics or other drugs.” uses, how we take care of them. Native species and the habitats we live in.”
Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that has caused diseases in endangered Hawaiian monk seals as well as spinner dolphins, is an example of the need for a multidisciplinary approach to create a solution.
Toxoplasmosis is found globally, infecting warm-blooded animals and humans, the University of Hawaii said in a news release.
Invasive species such as pigs, martens, chickens and cats harbor the parasite, which breeds in the digestive tract of cats. Cats shed oocytes, or eggs, in their feces which may in turn be washed out to sea.
Stephanie Kendrick, director of community engagement for the Hawaiian Humane Society, said the nonprofit was excited to support the One Health initiative.
“I think the interconnectedness of all of our human and nonhuman beings is underestimated,” she said. “There is a huge link between human health and animal health – the more we recognize this, the better we will do for our whole community at large.”
Research confirms the benefits of a human-animal bond for pet owners, who find that having a pet provides significant health benefits, she said, while providing a safe and loving home is better for the health of domestic animals. .
Housing safety also affects human and pet health, she said, noting that a major reason people surrender animals is to move into housing where pets are not allowed.
For toxoplasmosis, an example of collaboration includes the Pono Cat Parent Pledge, she said, which encourages cat owners to keep their pets indoors and dispose of their litter in the trash so it doesn’t pollute Hawaii’s watersheds. Do not go in
Vazeau said that “One Health” brings together a variety of stakeholders to address issues such as toxoplasmosis, and that the proclamation recognizes ongoing work and helps create more programming across the state.
Julie Bennington, a veterinarian and lecturer in UH Manoa’s Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, said, “One Health embodies the Hawaiian cultural practice ‘Malama Eye’s Mirror,’ which focuses on the deep interconnectedness of people, animals, and all of the land.” Is.” , in a statement. “It’s a big step in the right direction.”
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