Researchers are always searching for ways to boost human health. One sure-fire method is to improve the health of animals.
As many as 6 out of 10 infectious diseases originate with animals, so our health is intimately linked to that of our pets and livestock—even wild animals.
That’s the essence of One Health, the linkage of human, animal and environmental health for global benefits. Take rabies, for example. Rabid animals are a serious threat to people everywhere. But the risks drop when animals are vaccinated. Granted, immunizing strays and wild animals has been tougher than vaccinating pets. But thanks to effective oral vaccines distributed in the wild, vaccination can now occur anywhere.
When veterinarians, physicians, researchers and government agencies join forces, the world’s a better place for all of its inhabitants.