The Need for One Health

The One Health Initiative is not a new concept, but it may be finally taking hold. It states that there should be an increased collaboration between human and animal health professionals for the betterment of all. So many of the recently emerging diseases have originated from animal reservoirs (i.e., SARS, West Nile virus, avian influenza). The latest example is swine flu. In case it hasn't registered on your radar, a pandemic of epic proportions may be imminent. A novel strain of the virus that is a combination of genetic material from pigs, birds, and humans has already claimed the lives of dozens of people in Mexico (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,517820,00.html).
Experts have said that we are due for another flu pandemic. Historically, we can expect three per century. In the 20th century we experienced the Spanish Flu of 1918 that claimed approx. 50,000,000 lives worldwide, the Asian Flu of 1957 that claimed 1-2,000,000 lives worldwide, and the Hong Kong flu of 1968 that claimed 700,000 lives worldwide.
Flu viruses are always present in both animal and human populations. Those who are elderly, immunocompromised, or caretakers of children are encouraged to be vaccinated annually. Scientists do their best to predict what strain will be in circulation; vaccines are then produced and distributed that may be a combination of these "expected strains." What makes things problematic is when a new strain is formed. This can happen when animal and human viruses interact. Viruses then mutate, forming a strain that people are not vaccinated against. What is really concerning to experts and what has the potential to cause disease of pandemic proportions, is when virus strains of animals begin to infect humans. If humans only get the virus from animals, it can be relatively well controlled. However, if the virus gains the ability to be transmitted from person to person, we can expect exponentially more disease and mortality.
The swine flu that is in the headlines today has the ability to infect by human to human transmission.
There are confirmed cases of the swine flu in North America. Heavily populated metropolitan areas are the most at risk. The flu is spread by respiratory secretions, so basic hygiene principles will be mandatory. Simple preparedness and hygiene techniques can help keep you healthy during any infectious disease outbreak. Handwashing, stocking extra food and water (don't forget to include your pets), practicing good health habits (sleep, diet), and avoiding close contact with people who are sick (that goes both ways too-stay home from work or school if you are ill!!) can help you get through an outbreak in your area.
Outbreaks that we may face today or in the future are the perfect example of the need for One Health. Veterinarian-physician cooperation will be crucial to best respond to these types of issues.
For further information on the swine flu outbreak, visit http://www.pandemicflu.gov/. Stay healthy.