Farmed Animals

One Health: Livestock, Wildlife, and Human Welfare

The One Health framework recognises that animal health, human health, and ecosystem health are inextricably linked.

Key Facts

Over 60% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals
Intensive livestock farming increases the risk of zoonotic disease emergence and spread
Antibiotic resistance in livestock bacteria threatens human medicine globally
Wildlife habitat loss brings animals and humans into closer contact, increasing disease spillover risk
One Health programs integrate veterinary, medical, and environmental expertise

Welfare Considerations

One Health recognises that improving livestock welfare, reducing antibiotic use in farming, and protecting wildlife habitats all contribute to human health and security. Poor farm animal welfare is associated with increased disease burden and antibiotic use, which drives resistance that threatens human medicine. Integrated approaches that improve animal welfare and reduce disease at the human-animal-environment interface benefit all parties.

What You Can Do

Support One Health programs that integrate animal and human health approaches
Advocate for reduction of prophylactic antibiotic use in livestock farming
Choose products from farming systems with lower antibiotic use records
Support wildlife habitat protection as a disease prevention strategy
Raise awareness about One Health as a framework connecting animal welfare to human wellbeing