Commentary: ‘One Health’ Helps Safeguard Horses’ Health

One Health recognizes that human health, animal health, and the environment are all interconnected.
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A concept that has received considerable focus of late is that of "One Health." What exactly is One Health? It is the recognition that the health of humans, the health of animals (both domestic and wild), and the environment are all interconnected.

The health of humans is affected by that of animals and the condition of the environment, and vice versa. This concept brings physicians, veterinarians, ecologists and other scientists into a multidisciplinary collaboration to monitor diseases and the environment and to study the ways that diseases are transmitted and maintained in the environment. This concept is basically synonymous with the “One Medicine” and “One World” concepts.

While the term “One Health” has recently come into vogue, its importance has been recognized for many years, especially considering zoonotic diseases that can spread between animals and people. Likewise, changes in the environment affect both humans and animals. This includes land and water use and food supplies. The global nature of commerce and the heightened movement of both humans and animals make a combined approach to health essential. The threat of emerging diseases and pandemics that could first manifest in animals means that collaboration among physicians, public and animal health workers, and environmentalists is of critical importance to quickly recognize cross-species risks and implement protective measures. Just as importantly, the potential health impact must be considered in a collaborative manner as conservation and biodiversity programs are implemented.

How does this concept impact horses and the people who interact with them? Horses inhabit an environment that exposes them to people; other horses; domestic animals; wildlife; indoor conditions; and the outdoor environment with pasture, wooded areas, and water sources. The better the job we do in health management and planning in each of these areas, the more positive the effect on the health of our horses

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