Tuesday 23 September 2014

Job Vacancy: Project Officer at the Coordination Unit of the OIE World Animal Health and Welfare Fund

Position title: Project Officer
at the Coordination Unit of the OIE World Animal Health and Welfare Fund
Net salary: 2,800 Euros/month (net) + benefits
Responsibilities :
Supporting on a daily basis the workload of the C oordination Unit of the OIE World Animal Health and Welfare Fund (World Fund) , the incumbent will assume shared responsibility for the following:
•  Providing management support , as assigned by the Coordinator of the World Fund (Head of Unit), on the activities implemented through the OIE World Fund (monitoring of activities and follow up of financial commitments and constraints), including specific cost accounting and Monitoring & Evaluation activities when appropriate.
•  Contributing to the preparation of negotiation documents, calls for proposals and concept notes (to Donors including international organisations and/or private foundations), while using results frameworks and OIE World Fund Indicators.
•  Contributing to the development of OIE partnerships and activities at country level (development projects / initiatives at field level with a variety of institutional partners).
•  Monitoring / Preparation of specific budgets and follow up tables for the financial components of OIE programmes and activities, e.g. for twinning programmes, Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Pathway missions (PVS Evaluation missions, PVS Gap Analysis missions, Legislation missions), or programmes and activities managed or implemented by OIE Regional or Sub-Regional Representations.
•  Drafting technical and financial reports to World Fund Donors.
•  Supporting the operations of antigen/vaccine banks by monitoring production/delivery orders, antigen/vaccine stocks and corresponding expenses.
•  Supporting the secretariat of the Advisory and of the Management Committees of the OIE World Fund (annual meetings), including the preparation of working documents, executive presentations, financial analysis of donor accounts, and summary minutes of these meetings.
•  Possible participation to international meetings or duty missions (including abroad) when required (internal meetings, external meetings with donors, or thematic meetings and conferences), capability to represent the Coordination Unit of the OIE World Fund (internally), or the OIE (externally).
•  If necessary, contributing to updates in design and content of the OIE website on World Fund activities.
•  Carrying out any other related activities as assigned by the Coordinator of the World Fund (Head of Unit), the incumbent may be assigned to other tasks relating to World Fund activities.
In addition, the Director General or the Deputy Director General (Administration, Management, Human Resources and Regional Activities) may, where necessary, assign to the incumbent any other duties within his/her areas of competence.
Qualifications and Experience:
•  Project or business management qualifications or equivalent experience;
•  Good knowledge and experience notably with World Bank and European Union procedures (e.g. preparation of proposals) and the World Bank / EU Financial Regulations;
•  Team player with strong interpersonal skills, capable of adapting to a team of five persons already in place ( Coordination Unit of the OIE World Animal Health and Welfare Fund);
•  Organisational awareness: strong ability to establish priorities, work within tight timelines and multi-task;
•  Capability of working in a multicultural international environment with colleagues from different departments and offices, and grasp different topics and activities quickly;
•  Ability to work at General Directorate level with high level of resilience and accuracy;
•  Good communication skills both verbally and in writing;
•  Self-motivated, focused and driven;
•  Excellent knowledge of English and Spanish or French; knowledge of a third language would be an additional asset;
•  Good computer skills, namely Word, Excel (pivot tables), PowerPoint, Prezi, and MS Project (or equivalent) would be an additional asset;
•  Experience in project accountancy and cost accounting is very important;
N.B. - These qualifications are considered minimum requirements for the position.
Additional information:
The French authorities do not require OIE staff to have a work permit.
The post is Paris-based (17 th arrondissement ).
OIE staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, offices or duty stations of the Organisation.
Full-time position, to be filled immediately.
Curriculum vitae and letters of motivation should be sent to the OIE, by mail or by email at a.dehove@oie.int andhr.dept@oie.int , before 31 October 2014 .

Job Vacancy: Veterinary Epidemiologist – Animal Health Information Department of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)

Position title: Veterinary Epidemiologist – Animal Health Information Department of the 
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
Salary: 3000 Euros/month + benefits
Duration of the position: Two years renewable
Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Animal Health Information Department and in close
collaboration with his Deputy, the incumbent will be mainly responsible for:
- Applying the review process for validation of six-monthly, annual and wild annual reports during
the year;
- Checking the consistency of the animal health information received during current year and
checking the consistency with historical data along the years;
- When needed, contact the National Veterinary Services (National Focal Points for animal disease
notification and for wildlife) in order to verify and complete epidemiological information;
- Archiving official reports and documents and drafting correspondence to Member Countries for
the Head of the Animal Health Information Department on questions relating to the world animal
health situation;
- Following-up with countries to encourage them providing regular and timely animal health reports
by issuing reminders when necessary;
- Providing World Animal Health Information System users with technical support in order to resolve problems or difficulties;
- Assisting in OIE’s search and verification of unofficial information and sharing relevant information with partners;
- Extracting and verifying WAHIS data for external analyses run by collaborating institutions of the
OIE, as well as reviewing the results of these analyses, verifying the proper use, interpretation and
conclusions made on such data.
- Conducting epidemiological and statistical analysis using WAHIS data and eventually complement
it with other relevant source of information using external resources such as scientific papers,
regional information systems, etc.
- Participating in epidemiological analysis on diseases and their trends, including risk analysis,
disease forecasting as well as producing maps, graphs and PowerPoint presentations of high
design and quality standards;
- Participating in the preparation and edition of documents in relation with world animal health
situation and diseases produced by the Department in the OIE working languages;
- Working with IT experts in the development of a data extraction tool from WAHIS to facilitate data analysis and participate in the development of tools for rapid analysis and production of reports,
graphs, maps, etc.
- Participating in the preparation and running of workshops and seminars on WAHIS, WAHIS
interface and WAHIS-wild interface for national Focal Points for animal disease notification to the
OIE and for Wildlife;
- Participating actively in the implementation and development of the animal health information
system (on-line Web notification manuals, WAHIS application, WAHIS Interface, Web interface,
etc.);
- Participate and provide expertise in the design, evaluation, and reporting of questionnaires and
surveys on OIE Member Countries’ health status;
- Performing any other duties as required by the Head of the Animal Health Information Department
and the Director General of the OIE.
Qualifications and experience:
- Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, with at least 7 years’ experience in data processing, analysis,
database management and epidemiological analysis;
- Good sense of observation and accuracy; good analytical skills and understanding of issues
relating to information processing, animal health data management and control methods;
- Good computer skills, especially in geographical information systems (e.g. ArcMap), cartography,
Excel, Access, statistical software (R, SPSS, STATA or SAS) and internet-based research;
- Courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain good working relations in a multinational and
multicultural environment;
- Good communication skills and team working abilities especially under tight deadlines;
- Work experience of the National Veterinary Services will be considered as an added advantage;
- Excellent knowledge of English is required and good knowledge of Spanish or French will be
considered an asset.
N. B. - These qualifications are the minimum requirements for the position and candidates should
only apply if they fill all the above conditions.
Other information:
The French authorities do not require OIE staff to have a work permit.
The post is based in Paris (17th arrondissement).
OIE staff members are international civil servants and are under the authority of the Director
General. They may be assigned to any activities or departments within the organisation.
The position is full-time and immediately available.
Curriculum vitae should be sent to the attention of the Director General, OIE, by mail or email at
information.dept@oie.int, copied to hr.dept@oie.int before 1st November 2014.

Saturday 20 September 2014

Comparative study of heparin-binding proteins profile of Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen

16. Comparative study of heparin-binding proteins profile of Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen - S. S. Ramteke, A. M. Shende,
J. S. Rajoriya, N. C. Barik, Megha Pande, S. K. Bhure, G. K. Das, S. K. Ghosh and J. K. Prasad
Veterinary World, 7(9): 707-711


   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.707-711


S. S. Ramteke: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;drsnehalramteke@rediffmail.com
A. M. Shende: Protein Research Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India; asashishivri216@gmail.com
J. S. Rajoriya: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;jituivri@gmail.com
N. C. Barik: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;iamdrncbarik@gmail.com
Megha Pande: Animal Physiology Lab, Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh, India; megha985@gmail.com
S. K. Bhure: Protein Research Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;sdbhure@rediffmail.com
G. K. Das: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;gkdasivri@gmail.com
S. K. Ghosh: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;subrata_kghosh@yahoo.co.in
J. K. Prasad: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India;jkprasad2001@yahoo.co.in

Received: 12-06-2014, Revised: 31-07-2014, Accepted: 06-08-2014, Published online: 20-09-2014

Corresponding author: S. S. Ramteke, e-mail: drsnehalramteke@rediffmail.com


Aim: The experiment was conducted to study the total seminal plasma protein (TSPP) and heparin-binding proteins (HBPs) in relation to initial semen quality of buffalo bull.
Materials and Methods: Semen from two Murrah buffalo bulls (bull no. 605 and 790) with mass motility of 3+ were used for the study and categorized into three groups (Group I- Mass motility 3+, Group II- Mass motility 4+ and Group III- Mass motility 5+). Seminal plasma from semen was separated by centrifugation. HBPs was isolated and purified from heparin-agarose affinity column by modified elution buffer. TSPP and isolated HBPs concentration was estimated by Lowry’s method. The purified HBPs were resolved on Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to check the protein profile of two bulls.
Results: The mean values of TSPP concentrations in bull no. 605 and 790 in Group I, II and III were 30.64±0.12, 31.66±0.09, 32.53±0.19 and 28.51±0.09, 29.49±0.15, 30.45±0.17 mg/mL, respectively. The mean values of HBPs concentrations in bull no. 605 and 790 in Group I, II and III were 3.11±0.07, 3.32±0.06, 3.46±0.08 and 2.51±0.08, 2.91±0.05, 3.10±0.03 mg/mL, respectively. Both the values of TSPP and HBPs were significantly higher (p<0.01) in bull no. 605 when compared to 790 in all the three groups. 31 kDa HBP was more intensely present in bull no. 605, thus may indicate its superiority over bull no. 790 in relation to fertility potential.
Conclusion: TSPP and HBPs shows variation in concentration with respect to initial semen quality. Furthermore, presence of fertility related 31 kDa HBPs in one of the bull may be an indication of high fertility of a bull. In future, in-vivo and in-vitro correlative study on larger basis is needed for the establishment of fertility-related HBPs in semen which might establish criteria for selection of buffalo bull with high fertility potential.

Keywords: buffalo bull, heparin-binding proteins, semen, seminal plasma.

Cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin increases freezability of buffalo bull (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa by increasing cholesterol to phospholipid ratio

15. Cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin increases freezability of buffalo bull (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa by increasing cholesterol to phospholipid ratio - J. S. Rajoriya, J. K. Prasad, S. K. Ghosh, Snehal S. Ramteke, N. C. Barik, G. K. Das and Megha Pande
Veterinary World, 7(9): 702-706


   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.702-706


J. S. Rajoriya: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly,
Uttar Pradesh, India; jituivri@gmail.com
J. K. Prasad: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly,
Uttar Pradesh, India; jkprasad2001@yahoo.com
S. K. Ghosh: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly,
Uttar Pradesh, India; subrata_kghosh@yahoo.co.in
Snehal S. Ramteke: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly,
Uttar Pradesh, India; drsnehalramteke@rediffmail.com
N. C. Barik: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly,
Uttar Pradesh, India; iamdrncbarik@gmail.com
G. K. Das: Germ Plasm Centre, Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly,
Uttar Pradesh, India; gkdasivri@gmail.com
Megha Pande: Animal Physiology Lab, Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh, India; megha985@gmail.com

Received: 24-05-2014, Revised: 02-08-2014, Accepted: 06-08-2014, Published online: 20-09-2014

Corresponding author: J. S. Rajoriya, e-mail: jituivri@gmail.com


Aim: The study was conducted to investigate the effect of cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) on freezability of buffalo spermatozoa.
Materials and Methods: Murrah buffalo bull semen samples with progressive motility of 70% and greater were used. After the evaluation of motility and livability, four equal fractions of semen samples were made. Group I was kept as control and diluted with Tris, whereas Group II, III and IV were treated with CLC solution at the rate of 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mg/ml respectively to obtain 120 × 106 sperm/ml as final spermatozoa concentration. The aliquots of all the groups were incubated for action of CLC, followed by dilution and freezing. Evaluation at pre-freeze and post-thaw stage of progressive motility, viability and level of cholesterol and phospholipid was done.
Results: The mean cholesterol content (μg/100 × 10spermatozoa) of Group I, II, III and IV at pre-freeze stage was 21.55±0.63, 49.56±1.38, 55.67±0.45 and 47.79±1.01 and at post-thaw stage were 13.18±0.45, 34.27±0.71, 36.21±0.48 and 33.68±0.56, respectively. At pre-freeze stage, cholesterol content was significantly (p<0.01) higher in Group III in comparison to other groups. The mean cholesterol and phospholipids content of fresh sperm was 24.14±0.58 and 51.13±0.66 μg/100 × 10sperm cells, respectively, and C/P ratio of spermatozoa at fresh stage was 0.47±0.067.
Conclusion: CLC treatment maintains the C/P ratio and plays an important role in maintaining membrane architecture of spermatozoa. Hence, addition of CLC may be helpful in increasing freezability of buffalo spermatozoa by increasing the C/P ratio of spermatozoa.

Keywords: buffalo, cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin, cholesterol:phospholipid (C/P) ratio.

Evaluation of dried bread waste as feedstuff for growing crossbred pigs

14. Evaluation of dried bread waste as feedstuff for growing crossbred pigs - Ajay Kumar, Biswajit Roy, G. P. Lakhani and A. Jain
Veterinary World, 7(9): 698-701


   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.698-701


Ajay Kumar: Department of Livestock Production and Management, UP Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University
(DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India; drajayvet1010@gmail.com
Biswajit Roy: Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India; drbiswajitroy@gmail.com
G. P. Lakhani: Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India; lakhani_gandhi@yahoo.com
A. Jain: Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India; jainaklank@yahoo.com

Received: 06-05-2014, Revised: 01-08-2014, Accepted: 05-08-2014, Published online: 19-09-2014

Corresponding author: Biswajit Roy, e-mail: drbiswajitroy@gmail.com


Aim: The aim was to investigate the effect of bread waste feeding on feed intake, utilization and growth performance of crossbred pigs and to evaluate the economics of bread waste feeding.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted for a period of 3 months (December, 2012-March, 2013). Large White Yorkshire crosses (LWY X Desi) were included in the study. A total of 24 weaned crossbred growing pigs were randomly assigned to four different groups, with six animals in each group. The experimental animals were fed as per their body weight following Indian Council of Agricultural Research requirements. They were fed twice a day according to schedule at 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. The water was kept available to animals round the clock. The cost of the experimental diets was calculated based on the existing price of the ingredients during the experimental period. Samples of feed were collected for analysis of proximate principles as per Association of Official Analytical Chemist. Body weight of all animals was recorded fortnightly basis in the morning before feeding with the use of platform type electronic weighing balance. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein conversion ration was calculated by using a standard formula. Data were analyzed, using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means showing significant differences in the ANOVA table were compared using the Duncan multiple range test.
Results: Crude protein content (%) of the diets was 16.01±0.02, 16.13±0.02, 16.14±0.02, 16.04±0.02, 16.08±0.02 and 12.72±0.03, respectively for the G1, G2, G3 and G4, groups. Proximate compositions (%) of diets used in the experiment were not significantly different. Digestibility coefficients of all the nutrients were significantly varied among the experimental groups. Daily feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) varied among the groups. Average daily gain (kg/pig/day) were significantly (p<0.01) higher in group G2 (0.377). FCR was significantly (p<0.01) higher in the G2 group (4.35).
Conclusion: Bread waste can economically supplement up to 50% to the diet of crossbred growing pigs.

Keywords: bread waste, crossbred pigs, economics, feed intake, growth performance.
13. Evaluation of egg quality traits of endangered Nicobari fowl and its crosses under intensive and backyard system of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India - N. C. Choudhuri, G. Paul, A. Kundu, M. S. Kundu, Arun Kumar De and Nagesh Ram
Veterinary World, 7(9): 693-697


   doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.693-697


N. C. Choudhuri: Department of Physiology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, West Bengal, India; Department of Animal Sciences, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India; ncc_pb@rediffmail.com
G. Paul: Department of Physiology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, West Bengal, India; gpaul.kalyani@rediffmail.com
A. Kundu: Department of Animal Sciences, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India; drakundu1@yahoo.com
M. S. Kundu: Department of Animal Sciences, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India; mkundu47@rediffmail.com
Arun Kumar De: Department of Animal Sciences, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India; biotech.cari@gmail.com
Nagesh Ram: Department of Animal Sciences, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India; nageshramkvk@yahoo.co.in

Received: 19-05-2014, Revised: 22-07-2014, Accepted: 02-08-2014, Published online: 19-09-2014

Corresponding author: N. C. Choudhuri, e-mail: ncc_pb@rediffmail.com


Aim: In the present study, egg quality traits of endangered Nicobari fowl and its crosses (Nicorock and Nishibari) were evaluated under intensive (deep litter) as well as backyard system, in the regions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
Materials and Methods: Fresh eggs (15) of all the three genetic groups of birds were collected randomly from institute farm (intensive system) and from farmers’ field. The eggs were collected from adult birds (50 weeks of age) 3 times with 5 in number in each time. All the genetic groups of birds were subjected to same husbandry practices. The eggs were subjected to external and internal quality parameters study.
Results: The effect of genetic groups on egg weight was significant (p<0.05) for all the groups. Nicorock had significantly higher egg weight (g) (56.79±0.77) in comparison to Nicobari (53.20±0.34) and Nishibari (48.98±0.22) under intensive system of management. Under backyard condition, the egg weight (g) of Nicorock (48.60±1.04) was significantly higher than Nicobari but not with Nishibari. In general, the egg weight was found less under backyard system than intensive system that might be due to scavenging nature of birds. Egg length, egg width and shape index differed significantly (p<0.05) among the genetic groups. Yolk index of Nicorock was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Nishibari under intensive as well as backyard condition. The shell thickness varied significantly (p<0.05) among different genetic groups. Haugh unit of Nicorock was significantly (p<0.05) lower in comparison to Nicobari and Nishibari under intensive system, but did not vary significantly among genetic groups under backyard condition.
Conclusions: The study revealed that there was a significant effect of genetic groups on different egg quality traits; both in intensive system and backyard condition.

Keywords: egg quality parameters, nicobari fowl, nishibari, nicorock, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Wednesday 17 September 2014

One Health

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

One Health has been defined as "the collaborative effort of multiple disciplines — working locally, nationally, and globally — to attain optimal health for people, animals and the environment".[1]

Background[edit]

One Health is a new phrase, but the concept extends back to ancient times. The recognition that environmental factors can impact human health can be traced as far back as to theGreek physician Hippocrates (c. 460 BCE – c. 370 BCE) in his text "On Airs, Waters, and Places". He promoted the concept that public health depended on a clean environment.[2]
The Italian physician Giovanni Maria Lancisi (1654–1720) was a pioneering epidemiologist, physician, and veterinarian, with a fascination in the role the physical environment played in the spread of disease in humans and animals. Lancisi may have been the first to advocate the use of mosquito nets for prevention of malaria in humans[3] but was also a pioneer in the control of rinderpest in cattle. The idea that human, animal and environmental healths are linked was further revived during the French Revolution by Drs Louis-René Villerme (1782–1863) and Alexandre Parent-Duchâtelet(fr) (1790–1835) who developed the specialty of public hygiene.[4]
In the late 19th century, German physician and pathologist Rudolf Virchow (1821–1902) coined the term "zoonosis", and said "...between animal and human medicine there are no dividing lines – nor should there be". Canadian physician Sir William Osler (1849–1919) traveled to Germany to study with Virchow. He returned to Canada and held joint faculty appointments at the McGill University Medical School and the Montreal Veterinary College.[5] Osler was active as a clinical pathologist and internist at the Montreal General Hospital, but was also active in the promotion of veterinary health, and helped investigate a swine typhoid outbreak near Quebec City in 1878;[6] he subsequently co-authored a monograph on parasites in Montreal's pork supply with A. W. Clement, a veterinary student at Montreal Veterinary College.[7]
In 1947, James H. Steele, DVM (Doctor of veterinary medicine), furthered the concept in the U.S. by establishing the field of veterinary public health at the CDC.[8] The phrase "One Medicine" was developed and promoted by Calvin W. Schwabe (1927–2006), a veterinary epidemiologist and parasitologist in his textbook "Veterinary Medicine and Human Health".[9]
The more recent use of One Health may be traced to a story about Ebola hemorrhagic fever on April 7, 2003, when Rick Weiss of the Washington Post quoted William Karesh, DVM as saying, "Human or livestock or wildlife health can't be discussed in isolation anymore. There is just one health. And the solutions require everyone working together on all the different levels."[10] The following year, Karesh and colleagues Robert Cook, VMD and Steve Osofsky, DVM launched a series of conferences around the world with the theme of One World - One Health (see section below).

Emerging infectious diseases[edit]

Many emerging health issues are linked to increasing contact between humans and animals, intensification and integration of food production, and the expansion of international travel.[11] As the number of new infectious diseases emerged in the 20th century, scientists began to recognize the challenges societies face regarding these threats[12] that largely come from animals.[13] Of the 1,415 microbes that are known to infect humans, 61 percent come from animals.[14] For example, rodents transmit plague and typhus to humans, and domestic livestock are the original source of crowd diseases such as measles, mumps, and pertussis.[15] One important exception is Mycobacteria tuberculosis. Genetic evidence suggests that Mycobacteria tuberculosis originated in human populations and spread to animals.[16] Chimpanzees were a reservoir host for the human immunodeficiency virus.[17]Global trade of wildlife exacerbates the problem of disease emergence.[18]
The 1999 West Nile virus outbreak in New York City highlighted the links between human and animal health. In this outbreak, wild crows began dying about a month or so before people began getting sick. The simultaneous outbreaks were not recognized as caused by the same entity until Dr. Tracey McNamara, an astute veterinarian at the Bronx Zoo, tied them together when her exotic birds began getting sick.[19][20] After it was recognized that the outbreaks were caused by West Nile virus, a new entity in the Western Hemisphere, the CDC established the National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases, now the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.[21]
In 2004, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) convened a group of health experts at Rockefeller University in New York and developed the phrase "One World - One Health" in order to promote the recognition of the impact of land use and wildlife health on human health.[22] William B. Karesh, one of the leaders of the WCS effort, wrote articles in Foreign Affairs about the health links between humans, animals, and the environment.[23][24]
The avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) epidemic that began in Hong Kong in 1997 forced the global community to recognize that animal health and human health are linked. The 1997 outbreak affected 18 people, killed 6, and provoked the culling of 1.5 million birds.[25] The HPAI H5N1 virus resurfaced in isolated outbreaks between 1998–2003, but a widespread outbreak occurred in mid-2003 in South Korea. Delays in international reporting and weak response measures contributed to the spread of the virus across Southeast Asia.[26] In recognition of the global threat that avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) and other emerging zoonotic diseases posed, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) developed a strategic framework, a tripartite agreement, to work more closely together to address the animal-human-ecosystem interface.[27]

Comparative medicine[edit]

Animals suffer from many of the same chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis as humans. Sometimes a disease entity is recognized in animals long before it is recognized in humans. For example, fear-induced heart failure was described in wildlife about thirty years before it was recognized in humans.[28]Comparative medicine is the study of disease processes across species and is based on the study of naturally occurring diseases of animals that also afflict humans. The concept of comparative medicine is very old. The ancient Greeks understood that dissecting and studying animals could yield important clues to understanding human diseases.[29] From Galen to William Harvey, comparative anatomical and physiological studies have been responsible for significant advances in medicine; Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered insulin through such work.[30]
The musculoskeletal system is particularly well-suited to comparative medicine studies since acute and chronic disorders of bones and joints have the same counterparts in humans and animals. Information gained from one species can be directly translated to another, thereby advancing the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Since the early 1930s, comparative orthopaedic research has incorporated the One Health concept. Otto Stader, a small animal veterinarian, used a comparative medicine approach and developed the first form of external skeletal fixation, the Stader splint, as a way to stabilize fractures in dogs. During World War II, Navy surgeons improved the treatment of fractures in sailors by incorporating Stader's advances. During the 1940s and 50's, Jacques Jenny, a veterinary surgeon, performed one of the first intra-medullary pinning procedures in animals and significantly advanced fracture repair strategies in horses and humans. In 1966, Sten-Erik Olsson VMD, MD and John L. Marshall DVM, MD, both of whom had medical and veterinary medical degrees, founded the first laboratory dedicated to comparative orthopaedic research at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. In the 21st century, comparative orthopaedic laboratories are located throughout the world and use both a comparative and translational research approach in an effort to improve diagnostic capabilities, enhance preventive and therapeutic strategies, and advance the understanding of disease mechanisms. Advances in fracture fixation, total joint replacement, and cartilage repair are a few examples of how knowledge flows in both directions, to benefit both human and animal health.[31]

Environment[edit]

Urbanization, globalization, climate shift, and terrorism have brought the need for a more diverse public health workforce to the forefront of public planning.[32] Changes in land use, creation and operation of large terrestrial and marine food production units, and microbial and chemical pollution of land and water sources have created new threats to the health of both animals and humans.[33] For example, deforestation for agriculture can lead to the emergence of zoonotic diseases.[34] Medical doctors are turning to environmental health scientists and practitioners to help them track disease outbreaks to the source, prevent chronic disease caused by chemical exposure, and create healthier living environments. Veterinarians are also turning to environmental health scientists and practitioners to prevent and control outbreaks and public health emergencies. One Health is the perfect unifying concept to bring together human health care practitioners, veterinarians, and public and environmental health professionals. By strengthening epidemiologic and laboratory investigations that assess the role of environmental influences, this partnership can help to develop and apply sustainable and effective community health interventions.

Commission[edit]

The One Health Commission: in 2007, Dr. Roger Mahr, the President of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), met with Dr. Ronald Davis, the President of the American Medical Association, to discuss bringing the animal and human medical communities together. Dr. Davis suggested that the best way for the AMA to get involved in such an endeavor would be to pass a formal "One Health" resolution. In June 2007, the AMA unanimously adopted this resolution.[35][36] The AVMA established a One Health Initiative Task Force and passed a One Health resolution analogous to the AMA's resolution in July 2008.[37] The One Health Task Force eventually became the One Health Commission headed by Dr. Roger Mahr.[38] It is headquartered at Iowa State University.[39]

Initiative[edit]

The One Health Initiative is separate from the One Health Commission. The One Health Initiative website has been serving as a global repository for all news and information pertaining to One Health. Organizations promoting this movement are listed on this website and include the American Medical AssociationAmerican Veterinary Medical Association, the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, The American Association of Public Health Physicians,[40] the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).[41] Additionally, more than 700 prominent scientists, physicians and veterinarians worldwide have endorsed the initiative.[42] Additional history about the One Health Initiative is available at Horizon International, a non-profit organization based at Yale University, working to find and advance solutions to inter-related concerns of global health, the environment, and poverty.[43]

International efforts[edit]

The European Union has recognized the importance of One Health.[44]
In the USA, the CDC has a One Health website with One Health resources.[45] The 1st International One Health Congress met February 14–16, 2011 in MelbourneAustralia.[46] The 2nd International One Health Congress met January 29-February 2, 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand.[47]
The 1st One Health Conference in Africa was held July 14–15, 2011 in JohannesburgSouth Africa.[48]
The World Bank is investigating how to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of a One Health approach to global health.[49] In June 2012, the World Bank published the economic benefits of One Health.[50]
The importance of One Health is promoted by scientists in many countries and supported by prominent organizations including the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, World Organization for Animal Health,[51] The International Federation for Animal Health,[52] Global Alliance for Rabies Control,[53] New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine (NZCCM),[54] Hubnet in Asia[55] the One Health Global Network,[56] the University of California One Health Center,[57] and the Infection Ecology and Epidemiology Network, UppsalaSweden.[58]