One Health and the Gulf oil spill

The Gulf oil spill is obviously a disaster of immense proportions, but it’s also an excellent example of how human health, animal health, and ecosystem health are interrelated.

We already know that the spilled oil poses a serious threat to fish, sea birds, and other wildlife -  from oil spilling into the sea as well as washing ashore and affecting land animals.  We know that fish and other animals have died from being exposed to the oil, and that’s a tragedy in itself.

But many of us haven’t realized the long-term effects this spill could have on our food supply and public health.  Because oil contains some chemicals that can cause cancer, it’s likely that we won’t be able to eat fish harvested from the Gulf for quite some time…in fact, it may be decades.

Read more of the story in USA Today.

One Health

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Roles of Veterinarians

Veterinarians care for the health of pets, livestock, and animals in zoos, racetracks, and laboratories. That work ultimately affects the health of human beings both directly and indirectly. Veterinarians use their skills to protect against diseases that can infect both animals and humans (called “zoonotic’) and conduct clinical research on health problems like diabetes, arthritis or cancer that affect humans and animals. Others work in basic research, broadening our knowledge of animals and medical science, and in applied research, developing new ways to use knowledge.

Did You Know...

Depending on the breed, dogs can have 6-13 major blood types.  Compare that to the 3 major blood types... 

Haiti, at the intersection of human health and animal health

The tragic effects of the recent earthquake in Haiti have brought the intersection of human health and animal health to the forefront once again.  A large population of Haitians rely on livestock to survive, and these animals are threatened.  Sure, the livestock weren’t in the buildings that collapsed, but their lives are no less in danger.  Right now, relief efforts include addressing public health issues – even though Haiti is surrounded by water, quality drinking water is in short supply for animals and humans alike.  Haiti has a large population of feral dogs, and the disaster and its after effects are increasing conflict between these animals and people.  Rabies is a big concern, as are other diseases that can be spread by poor quality water (including leptospirosis).  Keeping the human and animal populations healthy is critical to the country’s survival.

Please keep them in your thoughts and help however you can.  For more information and updates, visit the AVMA’s Haiti earthquake page.

Read about the US Army’s 43rd Medical Detachment veterinary team on its way to Haiti.