ARBAMINCH UNIVERSITY

COLLAGE OF MEDCINE AND

HEALTH SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

COURSE; ONE HEALTH.

NAME; YENENESH LIKNAW

ID; NSR/2504/12

SUB TO; Mr. Lakew Desta (Mph)

SUB DATE; 14/09/15 E.C

Introduction:

Zoonotic diseases are a significant concern for public health and animal health professionals due
to the potential for widespread outbreaks and significant health impacts. The One Health
approach is a collaborative effort between human, animal, and environmental health
professionals to address health issues that affect all three areas. In this context, the case studies of
Lyme disease, rabies, Q fever, avian influenza, and swine flu outbreaks highlight the importance
of the One Health approach in preventing and controlling the spread of zoonotic diseases.

Case study 1

 Q FEVER

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which can be transmitted
from animals to humans. This disease is prevalent worldwide, and it can cause acute or chronic
illness in humans. The most common source of human infection is contact with infected animals,
particularly domestic livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats.

 One health approach

One Health is an approach that recognizes the interconnection between human health,
animal health, and the environment.

It aims to promote the health and well-being of all species by addressing the complex
interactions between humans, animals, and the environment. One Health is particularly
relevant in the case of Q fever, as it involves the health of both humans and animals.

 Core focus area

Q fever is a significant public health concern, and it is a notifiable disease in many countries.
One of the core focus areas of One Health in the context of Q fever is the surveillance and
control of the disease in both humans and animals.

This involves monitoring the prevalence of the disease in animal populations, identifying high-
risk areas, and implementing measures to reduce the risk of transmission to humans.

Another core focus area is the development of effective diagnostic tools and treatments for Q
fever.

This includes the development of rapid diagnostic tests for both humans and animals, as well as
the identification of effective antibiotic treatments.

One Health also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between different sectors, including
public health, veterinary medicine, and environmental health. This collaboration is essential for
the effective surveillance, control, and prevention of Q fever.

In conclusion, Q fever is a zoonotic disease that highlights the importance of the One Health
approach. The core focus areas of One Health in the context of Q fever include the surveillance
and control of the disease in both humans and animals, the development of effective diagnostic
tools and treatments, and collaboration between different sectors. By addressing the complex
interactions between humans, animals, and the environment, One Health can help to promote the
health and well-being of all species.

Case study 2

 Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The primary
source of infection is the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. Lyme
disease is most commonly found in the northeastern and upper Midwestern regions of the United
States, but it also occurs in other areas of the country as well as in other parts of the world.

 One health approach

In the One Health approach, the prevention and control of Lyme disease involves addressing the
interconnections between human health, animal health, and the environment.

 Core focus areas

One of the core focus areas for the prevention and control of Lyme disease is the reduction of
tick populations and their exposure to humans and animals.

This can be achieved through a variety of measures, including:

1. Landscaping practices that discourage tick habitat, such as removing leaf litter and tall grasses
and creating a barrier between wooded areas and lawns.

2. Using insecticides to reduce tick populations in high-risk areas.

3. Treating domestic animals with tick preventatives.

4. Wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent when in areas where ticks are present.

5. Conducting surveillance of tick populations and monitoring for the presence of Lyme disease
in humans and animals.

Another important focus area for the prevention and control of Lyme disease is early detection
and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can prevent the disease from
progressing and causing serious complications.
Education and awareness-raising are also important focus areas, as many people are not aware of
the risks of Lyme disease and how to protect themselves and their pets.

This includes educating people on how to properly remove ticks and what to do if they suspect
they have been bitten.

Finally, there is ongoing research into new vaccines and treatments for Lyme disease.

Collaboration between different sectors, such as public health, veterinary medicine, and
environmental health, is essential for the effective prevention and control of Lyme disease in the
One Health approach.

Case study 3

 Rabies

Certainly! Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted
through the saliva of infected animals, typically through a bite or scratch. Dogs are the most
common source of human rabies deaths worldwide, but the virus can also be transmitted to
humans by other animals such as cats, bats, and wildlife.

 One health approach

One Health is an approach that recognizes the interconnection between human health, animal
health, and the environment.

 Core focus area

In the context of rabies, one of the core focus areas for the prevention and control of the disease
is the vaccination of domestic animals, particularly dogs. By vaccinating dogs against rabies, we
can reduce the risk of transmission to humans, as well as other animals.
Education and awareness-raising are also important focus areas in the prevention and control of
rabies. This includes educating pet owners about the importance of vaccinating their pets, as well
as providing information on how to avoid contact with potentially rabid animals. In addition, it is
important to raise awareness among healthcare workers and the general public about the signs
and symptoms of rabies, as well as the importance of seeking medical attention promptly if they
have been bitten or scratched by an animal that may have rabies.

Another important focus area for the prevention and control of rabies is the provision of post-
exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for people who have been bitten or scratched by an animal that may
have rabies.

PEP consists of a series of vaccines and immunoglobulins that can prevent the onset of rabies in
people who have been exposed to the virus.

In summary, the core focus areas for the prevention and control of rabies in the One Health
context include vaccination of domestic animals, education and awareness-raising, and provision
of post-exposure prophylaxis. By addressing the disease from a One Health perspective, we can
work to reduce the incidence of rabies in both humans and animals.

Case 4

 Avian influenza

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a viral disease that primarily affects birds, including
domestic poultry and wild birds. In rare cases, the virus can be transmitted to humans, leading to
severe respiratory illness and even death.

 One Health approach

One Health is an approach that recognizes the interconnection between human health, animal
health, and the environment.
  Core focus areas

In the context of avian influenza, one of the core focus areas for the prevention and control of the
disease is the surveillance and monitoring of bird populations, both domestic and wild.

Surveillance and monitoring of bird populations can help to detect outbreaks of avian influenza
early, allowing for rapid response and control measures to be implemented.

This includes measures such as quarantine and culling of infected birds, as well as disinfection of
affected areas.

In addition, vaccination of domestic poultry against avian influenza is an important focus area
for the prevention and control of the disease.

This can help to reduce the spread of the virus among poultry populations, as well as reduce the
risk of transmission to humans.

Education and awareness-raising are also important focus areas in the prevention and control of
avian influenza.

This includes educating farmers and other poultry workers about the importance of biosecurity
measures, such as proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment and facilities, as well as the
importance of reporting any signs of illness in birds.

Finally, research and development of new vaccines and treatments for avian influenza is an
important focus area in the One Health approach. By investing in research and development, we
can work to improve our understanding of the virus and develop new tools and strategies for its
prevention and control.
In summary, the core focus areas for the prevention and control of avian influenza in the One
Health context include surveillance and monitoring of bird populations, vaccination of domestic
poultry, education and awareness-raising, and research and development.

By addressing the disease from a One Health perspective, we can work to reduce the incidence
of avian influenza in both birds and humans.

CASE 5

 Swine flu

Swine flu, also known as H1N1 influenza, is a respiratory disease caused by the Influenza a
virus. It was first identified in Mexico in 2009 and quickly spread to other countries, causing a
global pandemic.

 One Health approach

The One Health approach is a collaborative effort between human, animal, and environmental
health professionals to address health issues that affect all three areas. Swine flu is a prime
example of a disease that requires a One Health approach.

 Core focus area

The core focus areas of the One Health approach for swine flu include:

1. Surveillance and monitoring: One Health surveillance systems are essential for early
detection, rapid response, and effective control of infectious diseases such as swine flu.
Surveillance should be done in both humans and animals, as swine flu is a zoonotic disease,
meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans.

2. Prevention and control: Prevention and control measures for swine flu include vaccination,
good hygiene practices, and proper animal husbandry. Vaccines are available for both humans
and pigs, and their use can reduce the risk of transmission. Good hygiene practices, such as hand
washing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, can also help prevent the
spread of the virus.

3. Collaboration and communication: Collaboration between human health, animal health, and
environmental health professionals is essential for effective prevention and control of swine flu.
Communication between these groups should be open and ongoing, with regular updates on
disease outbreaks and prevention measures.

4. Research and innovation: Research is needed to better understand the transmission and
spread of swine flu, as well as to develop more effective prevention and control measures.
Innovation in vaccine development and diagnostic tools can also help in the fight against swine
flu.

In conclusion, swine flu is a disease that requires a One Health approach, with a focus on
surveillance and monitoring, prevention and control, collaboration and communication, and
research and innovation. By working together, human, animal, and environmental health
professionals can effectively prevent and control the spread of swine flu and other zoonotic
diseases.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the case studies of Lyme disease, rabies, Q fever, avian influenza, and swine flu
outbreaks demonstrate the critical need for a One Health approach to address zoonotic diseases.
The core focus areas of the One Health approach, including surveillance and monitoring,
prevention and control, collaboration and communication, and research and innovation, are
essential for early detection, rapid response, and effective control of infectious diseases. By
working together, human, animal, and environmental health professionals can effectively prevent
and control the spread of zoonotic diseases and promote the health and well-being of all species.
The One Health approach is essential for addressing current and future zoonotic disease threats
and ensuring the health of our planet's ecosystems.

Thank you!!!!