Welfare Science

One Health Animal and Human Welfare Connections

One Health recognises the interconnection of human, animal and environmental health, with animal welfare improvements often producing co-benefits for human health, food safety and ecosystem services.

Key Facts

70% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals, including COVID-19 and influenza
Antimicrobial resistance is exacerbated by antibiotic use in livestock farming
Wild animal health monitoring can provide early warning of zoonotic disease risks
Improving farmed animal welfare by reducing crowding reduces disease transmission risk
One Health approaches integrate veterinary, medical and environmental expertise

Welfare Considerations

One Health frameworks provide a powerful argument for animal welfare investment - better animal welfare reduces zoonotic disease risk, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental impacts. This aligns animal welfare advocacy with public health, making the case politically stronger.

What You Can Do

Support One Health policy frameworks that integrate animal welfare with public health
Advocate for reduced prophylactic antibiotic use in livestock as both welfare and public health measure
Support wildlife disease surveillance programmes that protect both wildlife and human health