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One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems

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A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Food Safety and Zoonosis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 3 March 2025 | Viewed by 32969

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Dr. Fernando Ferreira

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: veterinary oncology; veterinary virology; cellular and molecular biology; oncogenic mechanisms; molecular oncology; chromatin remodeling; cell-virus interactions; vaccines and cancer
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The One Health concept supports global health security by recognizing the relationship between humans, animals and their interconnected ecosystems to understand and address shared health threats such as emerging and classic zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, agricultural challenges and others. Today, the One Health is a collaborative and transdisciplinary approach and has become a relevant scientific area in both veterinary and medical sciences, requiring multidisciplinary approaches and promoting systemic change in risk management.

This Special Issue aims to revisit the challenges and opportunities related to One Health, with a particular focus on the strategies that can be used to improve the monitoring, surveillance, diagnosis, prevention and control of zoonotic diseases, understanding the origin, context and drivers of infectious disease at the human, animal and environment interface, the drivers of antimicrobial resistance and the impact of animal and human infections on ecosystems and the economy.

In this Special Issue, we welcome research that describes the current challenges and opportunities in all areas of One Health triad, including new data regarding:

Qualitative and quantitative research concerning emerging and classic zoonotic diseases (e.g., influenza, West Nile virus, plague, emerging coronaviruses, rabies, monkeypox, Salmonellosis, Brucellosis, Lyme disease, tuberculosis, Aspergillosis and parasitic diseases);
Eco- and clinical epidemiological features of zoonotic infectious diseases;
Vector biology and vector–parasite–host interactions;
Uses of antibiotics in humans, animals and in agriculture;
Antibiotic resistance—challenges and opportunities;
Food safety and security;
Foodborne and waterborne outbreaks;
Environmental contamination;
Policies, analytic methods and economic evaluations in One Health;
Emergency preparedness and response mechanisms;
Other gaps and challenges in current One Health approaches.

Dr. Fernando Ferreira
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

emerging and classic zoonotic diseases
host–pathogen interactions
antibiotic resistance
food safety and security
foodborne and waterborne outbreaks
environmental contamination
policies, analytic methods and economic evaluations

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 2980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deciphering the Dual Role of Heligmosomoides polygyrus Antigens in Macrophage Modulation and Breast Cancer Cell Growth

by Patryk Firmanty, Maria Doligalska, Magdalena Krol and Bartlomiej Taciak

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(2), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11020069 - 3 Feb 2024

Viewed by 2450

Abstract

In our study, we explored how parasitic nematodes, specifically Heligmosomoides polygyrus, influence the immune response, focusing on their potential role in tumor growth. The study aimed to understand the mechanisms by which these parasites modify immune cell activation, particularly in macrophages, and how this might create an environment conducive to tumor growth. Our methods involved analyzing the effects of H. polygyrus excretory-secretory antigens on macrophage activation and their subsequent impact on breast cancer cell lines EMT6 and 4T1. We observed that these antigens significantly increased the expression of genes associated with both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, TNF-α, (Tumor Necrosis Factor) Il-6 (Interleukin), and arginase. Additionally, we observed changes in the expression of macrophage surface receptors like CD11b, F4/80, and TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4). Our findings indicate that the antigens from H. polygyrus markedly alter macrophage behavior and increase the proliferation of breast cancer cells in a laboratory setting. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between parasitic infections and cancer development, highlighting the need for further research in this area to develop potential new strategies for cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems)

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11 pages, 2566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlating Access to Primary Medical Care and Veterinary Care Providers: A Novel Application of Spatial Gravity Modelling

by Sue M. Neal

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(9), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10090565 - 11 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2021

Abstract

Increasingly, health professionals are recognizing the need for a more holistic, or One Health, approach to wellness. Companion animals share the lives and homes of many Americans, and yet little research exists on the intersection of disparities of access to veterinary care and access to human health care. This research aims to fill that gap by exploring the use of a spatial model that identifies the relationship of supply and demand while also considering reductions as a function of travel time to a care facility. Four counties in Alabama were analyzed at the census tract level to determine the supply of primary care physicians and veterinary care providers. This research provides a unique application of the Enhanced Two-Step Floating Catchment Area model by independently examining access to each type of care and then comparing both access supply values at the census level. Results indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between access to both types of care, implying areas with lower access to primary care have concomitantly low access to veterinary care. Implications for practice include the introduction of this methodological approach, identification of future parameter specification research to improve the approach, and identification of an area of significant concern in the One Health framework. Further, the results can inform solution strategies such as offering integrated care interventions for both humans and their companion animal household members with direct use for policymakers aimed at increasing equitable access to health care across the One Health spectrum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems)

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14 pages, 839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the Virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Dogs

by Telma de Sousa, Andreia Garcês, Augusto Silva, Ricardo Lopes, Nuno Alegria, Michel Hébraud, Gilberto Igrejas and Patricia Poeta

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(5), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10050343 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 8298

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause serious infections in both humans and animals, including dogs. Treatment of this bacterium is challenging because some strains have developed multi-drug resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance patterns and biofilm production of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa obtained from dogs. The study found that resistance to various β-lactam antimicrobials was widespread, with cefovecin and ceftiofur showing resistance in 74% and 59% of the isolates tested, respectively. Among the aminoglycosides, all strains showed susceptibility to amikacin and tobramycin, while gentamicin resistance was observed in 7% of the tested isolates. Furthermore, all isolates carried the oprD gene, which is essential in governing the entry of antibiotics into bacterial cells. The study also investigated the presence of virulence genes and found that all isolates carried exoS, exoA, exoT, exoY, aprA, algD, and plcH genes. This study compared P. aeruginosa resistance patterns worldwide, emphasizing regional understanding and responsible antibiotic use to prevent multi-drug resistance from emerging. In general, the results of this study emphasize the importance of the continued monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems)

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16 pages, 1376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Marginal Abatement Cost of Antimicrobials for Dairy Cow Mastitis: A Bioeconomic Optimization Perspective

by Ahmed Ferchiou, Youba Ndiaye, Mostafa A. Mandour, Nicolas Herman, Guillaume Lhermie and Didier Raboisson

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(2), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10020092 - 25 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2092

Abstract

Maintaining udder health is the primary indication for antimicrobial use (AMU) in dairy production, and modulating this application is a key factor in decreasing AMU. Defining the optimal AMU and the associated practical rules is challenging since AMU interacts with many parameters. To define the trade-offs between decreased AMU, labor and economic performance, the bioeconomic stochastic simulation model DairyHealthSim (DHS)© was applied to dairy cow mastitis management and coupled to a mean variance optimization model and marginal abatement cost curve (MACC) analysis. The scenarios included three antimicrobial (AM) treatment strategies at dry-off, five types of general barn hygiene practices, five milking practices focused on parlor hygiene levels and three milk withdrawal strategies. The first part of economic results showed similar economic performances for the blanked dry-off strategy and selective strategy but demonstrated the trade-off between AMU reduction and farmers’ workload. The second part of the results demonstrated the optimal value of the animal level of exposure to AM (ALEA). The MACC analysis showed that reducing ALEA below 1.5 was associated with a EUR 10,000 loss per unit of ALEA on average for the farmer. The results call for more integrative farm decision processes and bioeconomic reasoning to prompt efficient public interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems)

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14 pages, 1399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profile of Foeniculum vulgare Subsp. piperitum Essential Oils and Evaluation of Acaricidal Efficacy against Varroa destructor in Apis mellifera by In Vitro and Semi-Field Fumigation Tests

by Roberto Bava, Fabio Castagna, Ernesto Palma, Vincenzo Musolino, Cristina Carresi, Antonio Cardamone, Carmine Lupia, Mariangela Marrelli, Filomena Conforti, Paola Roncada, Vincenzo Musella and Domenico Britti

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(12), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9120684 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2539

Abstract

Varroatosis is an important parasitic disease of Apis mellifera caused by the mite Varroa destructor (V. destructor). The parasite is able to transmit numerous pathogens to honeybees which can lead to colony collapse. In recent years, the effectiveness of authorized drug products has decreased due to increasing resistance phenomena. Therefore, the search for alternatives to commercially available drugs is mandatory. In this context, essential oils (EOs) prove to be a promising choice to be studied for their known acaricide properties. In this research work, the acaricide activity of EO vapours isolated from the epigeal part (whole plant) of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare sbps. piperitum) and its three fractions (leaves, achenes and flowers) against V. destructor was evaluated. The effectiveness of fumigation was studied using two methods. The first involved prolonged exposure of mites to oil vapour for variable times. After exposure, the five mites in each replicate were placed in a Petri dish with an Apis mellifera larva. Mortality, due to chronic toxicity phenomena, was assessed after 48 h. The second method aimed to translate the results obtained from the in vitro test into a semi-field experiment. Therefore, two-level cages were set up. In the lower compartment of the cage, a material releasing oil vapours was placed; in the upper compartment, Varroa-infested honeybees were set. The results of the first method showed that the increase in mortality was directly proportional to exposure time and concentration. The whole plant returned 68% mortality at the highest concentration (2 mg/mL) and highest exposure time (48 h control), while the leaves, achenes and flowers returned 64%, 52% and 56% mortality, respectively. In the semi-field experiment, a concentration up to 20 times higher than the one used in the in vitro study was required for the whole plant to achieve a similar mite drop of >50%. The results of the study show that in vitro tests should only be used for preliminary screening of EO activity. In vitro tests should be followed by semi-field tests, which are essential to identify the threshold of toxicity to bees and the effective dose to be used in field studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems)

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19 pages, 1427 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu-lato-Specific Antibodies in Sera of Canine and Equine Origin—A Comparative Study with Two Line Immunoassays

by Sophie Charlotte Doff, Jasmin Wenderlein, Anna Wiesinger, Stephanie Hiereth, Sebastian Ulrich and Reinhard K. Straubinger

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(11), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9110633 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2786

Abstract

Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne disease in humans and animals caused by bacteria from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (Bbsl). The possible transmission of Bbsl from companion animals to humans via ticks makes this disease important in terms of One Health approaches. Thus, early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance. Today’s standard for the detection of specific antibodies against Bbsl is a two-tiered test system based on an ELISA for screening combined with a line immunoassay (LIA) for confirmation. In this study, 200 canine and 200 equine serum samples with known antibody status were tested with two different LIAs (A and B). Results were compared regarding sensitivity, specificity, the diagnostic outcome for dogs and horses, as well as operability of the test. The results for canine serum samples corresponded to 94.0%, making both LIAs a good choice for LB diagnostic in dogs. For equine serum samples, the agreement of both tests was 65.5%, displaying the challenge equine samples still provide in LB diagnostic. Major concerns were the interpretation of the OspA antigen (AG) signal and the use of unspecific (i.e., p100/p83) or too sensitive signals on the LIA. The operability of both LIAs was equally user-friendly. Regarding the tests’ evaluation, the scanning process provided by LIA A was a major advantage considering the comparability of the tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems)

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8 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Stray Cats Be Reservoirs of Antimicrobial Resistance?

by Valeria Gargano, Delia Gambino, Tiziana Orefice, Roberta Cirincione, Germano Castelli, Federica Bruno, Paolo Interrante, Mariangela Pizzo, Eva Spada, Daniela Proverbio, Domenico Vicari, Marília Salgado-Caxito, Julio A. Benavides and Giovanni Cassata

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(11), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9110631 - 12 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2537

Abstract

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem that requires a One Health approach. Despite several studies have reported the role of companion animals as reservoirs of AMR, limited information is available regarding the role of cats in the circulation of AMR. In this study, we evaluated the phenotypic and genotypic profile of 75 Escherichia coli isolated from rectal swabs and fecal samples of 75 stray cats (living in solitary or in a colony) sampled in Palermo (Sicily, Italy), to determine whether these animals may participate in the spread of AMR. Susceptibility to 8 antibiotics was tested using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration assays, while the presence of the common antibiotic resistance genes bla_TEM, bla_CTX-M, tet(A), and tet(B) was investigated by PCR. From the 75 E. coli isolates analyzed, 43% were resistant to at least one of the eight antibiotics tested, with 31% of the isolates resistant to ampicillin, 23% to cefotaxime, 21% to tetracycline, 20% to cefazolin, and 17% to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Most isolates harbored the bla_TEM gene (29%), followed by bla_CTX-M (23%), tet(A) (21%), and tet(B) (20%). Our results confirm the fecal carriage of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and clinically relevant resistance genes in stray cats. This study highlights the potential role of stray cats in the spread of AMR in urban environments, emphasising the need to better understand their role in AMR circulation when planning strategies to combat it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems)

Review

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35 pages, 1623 KiB

Open AccessReview

One Health Ethics and the Ethics of Zoonoses: A Silent Call for Global Action

by Jeyver Rodriguez

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090394 - 27 Aug 2024

Viewed by 3011

Abstract

This paper presents a critical review of key issues related to the emergence of new networks for the spread of zoonotic diseases amid the mass extinction of species. Zoonotic and infectious diseases account for approximately 70% of new and existing diseases affecting humans and animals. The initial section argues that the term “zoonoses” should not be confined to single-cause events within veterinary medicine. Instead, zoonoses should be viewed as complex, systemic phenomena shaped by interrelated factors, including environmental, sociocultural, and economic elements, influenced by anthropogenic climate change. The second section presents bioethical principles and potential strategies for those engaged in zoonotic disease prevention. The third section uses the slaughter of animals in disaster settings as a case study to illustrate the need for further clarification of normative and interspecies justice conflicts in One Health ethics. This section concludes with an outlook on “zoonoethics”. Section four develops the analysis of the interlinked elements that trigger zoonoses and examines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from an ethical and political standpoint, concluding with policy recommendations for addressing AMR. Section five offers a critical reflection, integrating contributions from zoonoethics, human ecology, and the ecotheological turn. Finally, section six concludes with a call to action and policy recommendations for an inclusive, intercultural, and gender-sensitive One Health approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems)

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13 pages, 615 KiB

Open AccessReview

A One Health Perspective on Camel Meat Hygiene and Zoonoses: Insights from a Decade of Research in the Middle East

by Mohamed-Yousif Ibrahim Mohamed, Glindya Bhagya Lakshmi, Hamidreza Sodagari and Ihab Habib

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(8), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11080344 - 29 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1855

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to investigatethe microbial and chemical safety of camel meat and the zoonotic diseases associated with camels in the Middle East over the past decade, emphasizing the crucial role of a One Health approach. By systematically analyzing recent studies (in the past decade, from 2014), we assessed pathogen prevalence, contamination with heavy metals and pesticide residues, and the impact of zoonotic diseases like Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The findings revealed significant variability in pathogen prevalence, with the frequent detection of traditional foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella and E. coli O157), as well as antibiotic-resistant strains like methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, underscoring the need for stringent antibiotic use policies and robust food safety measures. Additionally, the review highlighted substantial contamination of camel meat with heavy metals and pesticide residues, posing significant public health concerns that necessitate stringent regulatory measures and regular monitoring. The persistent occurrence of zoonotic diseases, particularly MERS-CoV, along with other threats like trypanosomiasis, brucellosis, and Clostridium perfringens, emphasizes the importance of strengthening ongoing surveillance. Enhancing investment in diagnostic infrastructures, training programs, and planning capabilities is crucial to address these issues at the camel–human interface in the Middle East. Adopting a One Health perspective is vital to ensuring the safety and quality of camel meat and managing zoonotic risks effectively to ultimately safeguard public health and promote sustainable livestock practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems)

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14 pages, 1272 KiB

Open AccessReview

by Alina Borş, Silviu-Ionuț Borş and Viorel-Cezar Floriștean

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(4), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11040172 - 12 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3126

Abstract

A new trend in cow’s milk has emerged in the market called type A1 and A2 milk. These products have piqued the interest of both consumers and researchers. Recent studies suggest that A2 milk may have potential health benefits beyond that of A1 milk, which is why researchers are investigating this product further. It is interesting to note that the A1 and A2 milk types have area-specific characteristics compared to breed-specific characteristics. Extensive research has focused on milk derivatives obtained from cow’s milk, primarily through in vitro and animal studies. However, few clinical studies have been conducted in humans, and the results have been unsatisfactory. New molecular techniques for identifying A1 and A2 milk may help researchers develop new studies that can clarify certain controversies surrounding A1 milk. It is essential to exercise extreme caution when interpreting the updated literature. It has the potential to spread panic worldwide and have negative economic implications. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the differences between A1 and A2 milk in various research areas and clarify some aspects regarding these two types of milk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health Challenges and Opportunities—Animals, Humans and Their Interconnected Ecosystems)

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