Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans and/or from humans to animals. Approximately 75% of new emerging and re-emerging disease pathogens are zoonotic: 60% spread from domestic and wild animals, and 80% are of concern regarding bioterrorism. For the past 20 years, the world has faced several zoonotic disease outbreaks. Some zoonoses can cause recurring outbreaks, such as Ebola virus disease, salmonellosis, Marburg disease, rabies and anthrax. Still others, such as the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19, have the potential to cause worldwide pandemics. The high risk of emerging and reemerging disease spillover and burden has been increased by extensive interactions among animals, humans and ecosystems. Hence, this complex health threat strongly requires a multi-sectoral collaboration known as the One Health approach. This article discusses recent scientific policies, initiatives, best practices, systems and challenges in One Health. The critical rapid review method was used, with a particular emphasis on available and recent global information. Literature found in Google Scholar and PubMed, and data publicly available on the websites of major global, regional and national organizations were included. The aim of this article is to provide compiled information and increase awareness.

The risk of spreading emerging and reemerging diseases has been increasing by the interactions of human – animal – ecosystems and increases account for more than one billion cases, a million deaths and caused hundreds of billions of US dollars of economic damage per year in the world. Countries in which their household income is dependent on livestock are characterized by a strong correlation between a high burden of zoonotic disease and poverty. The One Health approach is critical for solutions to prevent, prepare for, and respond to these complex threats. As part of the implementation of the Global Health Security Agenda, Ethiopia has embraced the One Health approach to respond to the existing and emerging threats. Several developments have been made to pioneer One Health schemes in Ethiopia which includes establishment of the National One Health Steering Committee and Technical Working Groups, prioritization of zoonotic diseases based on their impact on human and livestock, the development of prevention and control working documents for prioritized zoonotic diseases, joint disease surveillance and outbreak investigation, prioritization of zoonotic diseases, capacity building and other One Health promotions. Nevertheless, there are still so many challenges which need to be addressed. Poor integration among sectors in data sharing and communication, institutionalization of One Health, lack of continuous advocacy among the community, lack of financial funds from the government, limited research fund and activities on One Health, etc. are among many challenges. Hence, it is critical to continue raising awareness of One Health approach and foster leaders to work across disciplines and sectors. Therefore, continuous review on available global and national one health information and achievements to provide compiled information for more understanding is very important.

Bovine brucellosis is endemic and widely distributed in Ethiopia. The country has already prioritized top five zoonotic diseases (rabies, anthrax, brucellosis, Rift Valley fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza) in 2019 using reprioritization workshop. So brucellosis is one of the top five neglected zoonotic diseases in the country. According to several studies, the distribution and prevalence of bovine and human brucellosis in Ethiopia varies among regions in terms of animal production and management systems, community living standards and awareness levels. The disease has major zoonotic and economic implications for rural communities, particularly pastoralists. The aim of this article was therefore to review and summarize recent studies (2010–2021) on the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in animals and humans, with reference to Ethiopia. This review describes both bovine and human brucellosis reported from various geographical areas of the country. Reports between the years 2010 and 2021 indicated a prevalence rate between 1.2% and 22.5% at the individual level, and 3.3% and.68.6% at the herd level. However, the human brucellosis seroprevalence rate was 2.15%–48.3% between 2006 and 2021. This increase clearly indicates the expected future threat of this disease in the country. However, control measures and community awareness are lacking. Therefore, actual implementation of prevention and control measures, community awareness, further studies and continual review to provide compiled information for understanding the transmission dynamics of the disease are essential.