Zoonotic Diseases and One Health

Abstract

Preface to "Zoonotic Diseases and One Health"One Health is a multidisciplinary and holistic approach with the perspective that the health of the environment-especially but not limited to animal health-is integral to public health. Zoonosis, or the spread of diseases between animals and humans, can be better understood and mitigated within the context of the shared environment. Understanding the mechanisms of transmission of zoonotic diseases within the different stages of their pathogens' lifecycles, the optimal environmental conditions for transmission, and even the effects of climate change on transmission can aid in the formulation of more appropriate policies and action plans towards a sustained One Health approach for public health.This Special Issue of Pathogens highlights some recent works in selected countries that utilized the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnections of the different components of the ecological communities and also includes the notion that humans are linked through interfaces with food, livestock, or exposure to the pathogens from the environment. Novel detection methods are likewise presented to better identify accurately unknown pathogens, their distribution, and the edaphic factors that contribute to their dispersal. Policies based on a multidisciplinary approach that address specific public health issues are also presented.It is hoped that this Special Issue shall spur more studies towards greater understanding of the role of the environment in zoonotic transmission that will involve various stakeholders towards a truly One Health approach.