Organisation of Veterinary Colleges warns of growing threat from zoonotic diseases
In an increasingly interconnected world, health Humananimals and the environment are intertwined in a delicate balance. On July 6, World Zoonoses Day, the veterinary community raises its voice to warn of the alarming rise in animal-borne diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. The Organization of Colleges of Veterinary Medicine (OCV) emphasizes the critical importance of implementing a comprehensive prevention system that encompasses everything from health surveillance to research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Global zoonotic disease emergency
Zoonoses are diseases transmitted from animals to Peoplehave acquired extraordinary relevance in the modern era. Factors such as globalization and climate change have contributed to the rapid spread of pathogens, increasing the risk of epidemic outbreaks and pandemics. According to OCV, approximately twenty million people die each year due to zoonotic diseases. However, the devastating impact of these diseases can be significantly mitigated by appropriate preventive measures and rapid response by health workers.
The OCV president warns that while individual efforts have saved many lives, it is critical to embrace a holistic concept known as “One Health.” This strategy The comprehensive program aims not only to combat current outbreaks, but also to anticipate and prevent future health crises on a global scale. According to the President, “the theory of One Health is clear; now we need concrete actions and effective rules that will turn this vision into practical reality.”
The OCV appeal is addressed not only to veterinarians but to all public health stakeholders, including human and environmental health professionals. It emphasizes need There is an urgent need for collaboration between these fields to develop and implement rigorous protocols that enhance the response to health emergencies. Research plays a fundamental role in this process, not only to better understand emerging infectious diseases, but also to develop more effective surveillance and prevention strategies.
In this sense, OCV proposes three priority areas for moving towards a comprehensive prevention system:
1. Advanced research: Developing new tools and strategies for early detection and control of infectious diseases.
2. Education and training: Continuing education for health professionals worldwide focused on comprehensive health crisis management.
3. Coordinated health policy: implementation of state policy with the participation of all administrations and health organizations, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to emergency situations.
The problem of preventing and combating zoonoses cannot be solved solely by science and public health. It is essential that governments play an active role in adopting laws and regulations that support One Health initiatives. This includes allocating sufficient resources for research, training, and rapid emergency response, as well as creating administrative structures that facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration.
According to one global health expert consulted, “the key to protecting public health is the ability to anticipate emerging threats and act quickly and effectively. “This requires not only continued investment in science and technology, but also a strong commitment from governments and international organisations.”
As the world faces increasingly complex global health challenges, there are also opportunities to innovate and strengthen our collective defences. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stark reminder of our societies’ vulnerability to infectious diseases. But it has also served as a catalyst for significant advances in international cooperation and the development of vaccines and treatments.
Looking to the future, the scientific and medical communities must continue to collaborate, share data and resources to improve global resilience. Genomic research, epidemiological surveillance and vaccination strategies are just some of the key areas requiring attention.
In conclusion, the College Veterinary Organization’s message is clear and urgent: the threat of zoonotic diseases cannot be underestimated and requires a coordinated global response. From basic research to public policy implementation, every step forward is critical to protecting the health of millions of people worldwide.
Commitment to One Health is not just an aspiration, but an imperative in an increasingly interdependent world. Only through collaboration and collective commitment can we be prepared to meet the health challenges of the 21st century and beyond.