The One Health framework recognizes the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health, with improved animal welfare contributing to reduced zoonotic disease risk and broader ecosystem health.
One Health provides a compelling cross-sector case for animal welfare investment. The conditions that compromise farm animal welfare — crowding, poor ventilation, immunosuppressive stress — also increase disease transmission risk and antibiotic use that drives resistance. Improving welfare conditions simultaneously improves animal health, reduces zoonotic spillover risk, and decreases antibiotic dependence. The welfare case and the public health case point in the same direction: animals raised in conditions that support their natural health and behavioral needs are healthier for the humans who eat them and live near their farms.