The role of One Health in understanding and controlling zoonotic diseases in Australia

Abstract

One Health recognises that the health of humans, animals and ecosystems is intimately connected. One Health involves a coordinated, collaborative, multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach to addressing a wide range of potential or existing risks at the animal–human–ecosystem interface. Globally, a surge in emerging infectious diseases and their associated costs to society over the last 15 years has reignited interest in the idea that human health is linked to animals and our shared environment. In 2004 at the meeting Building Interdisciplinary Bridges to Health in a Globalized World held in New York, the 12 Manhattan Principles were defined to guide scientists and policy makers to "devise adaptive, forward-looking and multidisciplinary solutions to the challenges that undoubtedly lie ahead". These principles remain fundamental in defining the role of One Health.