Collaborative nature of veterinary practice

The World Veterinary Day (WVD) is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April. In 2025, it will be observed on April 26 across the globe. Established in 2000 by the World Veterinary Association (WVA), WVD aims to recognize the invaluable contributions of veterinarians to animal health, public health and environmental conservation .

The theme for World Veterinary Day 2025, “Animal Health Takes a Team”, underscores the collaborative nature of veterinary practice. It highlights the essential roles played by various professionals—including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, paraprofessionals, researchers and allied health workers in delivering high-quality services. This theme emphasizes that ensuring optimal animal health requires a concerted effort from diverse professionals working in harmony.

Role of animal owners or animal caretakers too is indispensable as these dumb creatures are solely dependent on them. Proper feeding, breeding, housing and provision of adequate health coverage is essential for optimum animal health. In fact responsible animal ownership is pivotal for ensuring animal welfare and preventing spillover of infectious agents from animals to humans. Care and management of stray animals, welfare and sustainability of wildlife and ethical treatment of lab animals too requires a team effort of various individuals, agencies, institutions and departments.

Since the optimum health of animals is crucial to well being of humans, collaboration with medical professionals is indispensable. This has already been emphasised by One Health Concept. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the boundaries between human, animal and environmental health are becoming ever more blurred. The concept of One Health has emerged as a powerful, holistic approach that recognizes this vital interconnection. It calls for collaborative, multi-sectoral efforts to achieve optimal health outcomes for people, animals and the environment.

One Health is not a new idea, but it has gained global importance in recent years, particularly in the wake of pandemics like COVID-19 which is considered a zoonotic disease. It is widely believed that the virus (SARS-CoV-2) originated in bats and may have been transmitted to humans through an intermediate host, possibly a wild animal sold at a market in Wuhan, China.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 60% of existing and 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic—originating in animals. This reality underscores the need for cooperation across disciplines to prevent, detect and respond to health threats. Humans and animals share more than just physical space—they share diseases, resources and environments. Zoonotic diseases such as rabies, avian influenza, brucellosis and leptospirosis illustrate how closely our health is tied to that of animals. Poor animal health can lead to outbreaks that quickly cross over to human populations especially in regions where humans live in close contact with domestic or wild animals.

Furthermore, livestock and animal products are critical to global food security and nutrition. Ensuring animals are healthy means ensuring that food sources are safe and reliable. In many parts of the world, animals also contribute to livelihoods, making their health a socioeconomic issue as well. The environment serves as the bridge between human and animal health. Changes in ecosystems—such as deforestation, climate change, and urban sprawl—can disrupt the balance of nature and increase the risk of zoonotic spillovers. When natural habitats are destroyed, wild animals are forced into closer contact with humans and domestic animals, creating opportunities for disease transmission. Clean air, safe water, and healthy soil are all essential components of health for all living beings. Pollution, waste mismanagement, and poor sanitation not only harm the environment but also weaken the health systems of animals and humans alike.

Implementing a One Health approach can lead to significant benefits:

1. Disease Prevention: Early detection and coordinated response to outbreaks reduce their impact and spread.
2. Food Safety and Security: Healthy animals contribute to safer and more abundant food supplies.
3. Combating Antibiotic Resistance: Judicious use of antibiotics across sectors helps slow the development of resistant pathogens.
4. Stronger Health Systems: Collaborative surveillance and response strategies build resilience against future health threats.
5. One Health is especially important in preparing for and managing pandemics. For example, coordinated efforts in monitoring animal diseases can help predict and prevent potential spillovers into human populations.

One Health is not just a concept—it is a necessity. The health of humans is deeply linked to the health of animals and the environment we all share. By embracing this interconnected approach, we can better understand the roots of disease, improve health outcomes, and build a healthier future for all species. In a world where the next global health threat may emerge from a forest, a farm, or a food market, One Health offers a powerful framework for prevention and protection.