ARBAMINCH UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

ON

ONE HEALTH

NAME: Baye Temesgen

ID NO: NSR/403/12

Sub.to…….Mr. Lakew Desta

Sub. Date…..14/09/2015 EC.
 Select/find at least 3 case study example on One Health and discuss their core focus
area.

I. Case Study 1: The Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa

 The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa in 2014 demonstrated the interconnectedness of
humans, animals, and the environment. Understanding the epidemiology of the disease
required a One-Health approach that integrated data from human, animal, and
environmental health sectors. This case study focused on the importance of cross-sectoral
collaboration and the need for more effective global health governance.
 This case study also focused on the need for a One-Health approach to controlling
infectious diseases that can cross between animals and humans. Ebola virus is believed to
have originated from infected fruit bats and other wildlife, and the outbreak highlighted
the importance of coordinated efforts between human and animal health sectors in disease
detection, response, and prevention.
 One-Health strategies included surveillance of animal health, training and capacity
building for animal healthcare workers, and joint planning and coordination between
human and animal health agencies.

II. Case Study: The case of avian influenza A(H7N9)

 In 2013, a new strain of avian influenza A(H7N9) emerged in China, causing severe
respiratory illness and death in humans.
 This case study examined the One-Health approach to understanding the epidemiology of
the disease, including the role of poultry as a reservoir for the virus and the potential for
human-to-human transmission.
 The study highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in disease
surveillance, prevention, and control efforts, including vaccination, biosecurity measures,
and public education.
III. Case study 3: Zoonotic Diseases in Sierra Leone
The One Health Approach to Zoonotic Diseases in Sierra Leone
 The core focus area of this case study is the One Health approach to control and prevent
zoonotic diseases in Sierra Leone.
 The country is vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola, Lassa fever, and avian
influenza due to its close proximity to wildlife and poor health and sanitation conditions.
 The One Health approach in Sierra Leone involves collaboration between human health,
animal health, and environmental experts to identify and respond promptly to any
outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.

IV. Case Study 4: Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses

 Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease that is transmitted to humans
through the bite of infected ticks, in the U.S., with over 300,000 cases reported each year.
The One-Health approach to Lyme disease focuses on understanding the complex
interactions between humans, animals, and the environment that contribute to the spread
of the disease. The study explored the importance of surveillance and monitoring of
animal and environmental populations to identify high-risk areas and implement
prevention measures such as tick control and public education.
 This case study emphasized the need for a One-Health approach to preventing and
controlling tick-borne diseases, which requires collaboration between public health,
veterinary, and wildlife agencies.
 One-Health strategies included surveillance of tick populations and the diseases they
carry, identification and implementation of effective prevention measures such as tick
repellents and habitat modification, and education and training of healthcare
professionals and the general public to increase awareness of the risks and reduce the
incidence of tick-borne illnesses.

V. Case Study 5: Antibiotic resistance in animals and humans:

 This case study focused on the link between the use of antibiotics in animals and the
development of antibiotic-resistant infections in humans, highlighting the need for a One-
Health approach to addressing this growing problem.
 One-Health strategies included promoting responsible use of antibiotics in animal
agriculture, increasing surveillance and tracking of antibiotic-resistant infections in both
animals and humans, and implementing coordinated strategies for infection prevention
and control in healthcare settings.
 This case study also emphasized the importance of public education and awareness to
promote responsible use of antibiotics and prevent the spread of resistant infections.
VI. Case Study 6: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock
production
 Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health threat globally, and the use of
antibiotics in livestock production has been identified as a driver of resistance.
 This case study focused on the One-Health approach to addressing AMR in livestock,
emphasizing the importance of collaboration between human health, animal health, and
environmental sectors to promote rational use of antibiotics, implement surveillance and
control measures, and develop alternative strategies for disease prevention and treatment.

VII. Case Study 7: The case of lead poisoning in children

 Lead poisoning is a preventable environmental health problem that affects millions of
children worldwide.
 This case study explored the One-Health approach to lead poisoning prevention, focusing
on the integration of human health, animal health, and environmental factors in risk
assessment, surveillance, and control.
 The study included efforts to promote lead-safe housing, reduce lead exposure in food
and drinking water, and develop alternative strategies for pest control.