Working Animal Health

One Health

One of the key influences on SPANA’s work is the One Health approach. This concept recognises the interdependence between animals. people and the environment. Increasing interactions between humans and animals, loss of biodiversity, alteration of ecosystems and the climate crisis are placing working animals and their communities at risk. One Health was developed in response to the spread of zoonotic diseases between animals and humans, and in light of increased awareness of the interdependence between animals, people and the environment. One Health calls for better cross-sector collaboration, research and solution-finding to ensure sustainable progress for human wellbeing and, animal welfare and environmental health.

The United Nations has recently recognised this link between animal welfare, people and the environment marking a significant milestone and the first time animal welfare has received global acknowledgement from the UN.

Major organisations like the World Health Organization and the UN Environmental programme have committed to implementing the One Health approach. They are recognising the importance of treating animals with compassion, respect and understanding that animal welfare both depends on and directly influences people and the environment.