The health of one affects the health of all: One Health Awareness Month

January marks One Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the interconnection between the health of humans, animals and the environment. As global health challenges evolve, it’s important to recognise that the wellbeing of each of these is deeply intertwined. 

Former Acting Director for the Interim Australian CDC and current Assistant Director of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Kendall Crocker will examine the future of One Health at the 2025 AVA Conference, presenting the Ben Cunneen Memorial Plenary on Thursday 15 May. (Conference registration opens early February).  

The COVID-19 pandemic was a human health crisis of likely animal origin which has underlined the importance of the One Health concept. In January 2024, an interim Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) was launched, to build One Health and health security capabilities, prepare for public health emergencies and improve the national public health surveillance system.  A standalone CDC is expected to be launched on 1 January 2026.  

In her regular column for AVA Members, Australia’s  Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Beth Cookson emphasises the importance of learning from global experiences and taking a leadership role in managing animal health and biosecurity.  

“In an increasingly connected world, it is crucial that we strive to learn from others, strategically lead conversations around animal biosecurity and contribute to managing animal health globally,” she shared.  

“Australia is well placed to ensure future preparedness for emerging and emergency animal diseases through continued investment in One Health initiatives, expansion of partnerships with our livestock industries, the veterinary profession as well as the research sectors and our international counterparts.” 

The One Health approach is not only about preparing for known diseases but also anticipating and mitigating emerging risks. 

“We must also dedicate resources to building resilience against emergency animal diseases during ‘peace time’. Horizon scanning for emerging trends and strategic foresight techniques are proving versatile in One Health space and have great promise in guiding Australia’s disease preparedness and response activities”.