The One Health framework recognising the interconnection of human, animal, and ecosystem health creates alignment between animal welfare, public health, and environmental goals.
One Health thinking reveals that animal welfare is not separate from human health but interconnected with it. High-density, low-welfare livestock systems create conditions for influenza evolution, antibiotic resistance development, and zoonotic disease emergence. Wild animal welfare through habitat protection reduces the human-wildlife interface that allows pathogens to jump species. These One Health connections provide powerful arguments for animal welfare improvement that transcend animal-centred ethics and speak to human health, economic resilience, and pandemic prevention. Engaging public health advocates as animal welfare allies is a strategic opportunity.