Most emerging infectious diseases originate from animals. Understanding the welfare dimensions of zoonotic disease prevention helps advocates connect animal welfare to human health arguments.
The One Health framework recognises that human, animal, and ecosystem health are inseparable. From a welfare perspective, this creates powerful argument linkages: the same factory farming conditions that cause animal suffering also increase pandemic risk for humans. Live animal markets that create suffering through crowding and stress also elevate zoonotic spillover risk. Reducing wildlife trade, improving farm biosecurity, and transitioning away from intensive animal agriculture address both human health and animal welfare simultaneously. This convergence of interests creates opportunities for broader coalition building in welfare advocacy.