In the world of agricultural sustainability and animal health, the One Health approach is emerging as a critical concept. It is now being integrated into LIVET, an Alliance for Innovation Erasmus+ project co-funded by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). This approach goes beyond traditional farming practices, offering a multisystemic solution to the complex interplay of human, animal, and environmental health.
The genesis and evolution of One Health in agriculture
One Health has evolved significantly, especially within the agricultural sector. Focusing on the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, One Health has become crucial in addressing challenges such as animal-borne diseases and the impact of farming practices on ecosystems. The early 2000s marked a critical period in the adoption of One Health principles, with key contributions from organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). These organisations recognised the interconnected nature of health across species and ecosystems, advocating for a more integrated approach to health and disease management. This was particularly evident in the collaborative efforts in response to global issues like BSE (mad cow disease) and avian influenza, which significantly impacted the farming industry. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the importance of this approach, illustrating how the food system can have profound implications on zoonotic diseases and human health.
One Health core principles in livestock farming
The application of One Health in agriculture is grounded in several principles:
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: This principle calls for joint efforts among livestock farmers, veterinarians, agronomists, environmental scientists, and policymakers. Such collaboration is essential for addressing complex health issues in the farming sector.
- Ecosystem health in farming: Emphasising the health of agricultural ecosystems, this principle acknowledges that the wellbeing of livestock and crops is deeply intertwined with their environmental conditions, and human health.
- Global and local impact on agriculture: Recognising that agricultural issues have both global and local implications, One Health approaches farming challenges with a comprehensive perspective, from local farm management to global food security.
One Health application in agricultural practices
In practice, One Health promotes integrated disease management in livestock, enhancing biosecurity measures and animal welfare. It encourages sustainable farming practices that consider environmental impacts, aiming to create a balance between productivity and ecosystem health. This approach also advocates for responsible use of antimicrobials in animal husbandry to combat resistance, a critical issue in both human and animal health.
LIVET project contribution to the promotion of One Health
The LIVET project’s integration of One Health into vocational education and training for the agricultural sector reflects its focus to these principles. This project aims to equip professionals in livestock farming with the knowledge and skills to implement One Health practices, thereby improving animal welfare, enhancing food safety, and combating antimicrobial resistance.
LIVET represents an innovative and fundamental step in aligning agricultural education with the pressing needs of health and environmental sustainability. Through the project, One Health will be transformed from a theoretical concept into a practical, multidisciplinary toolkit, paving the way for future generations in the agricultural sector.