Source: Dr Thandi Chiappero, SAPPO News July 2021, photo credit: OIE
One health is where the health of ecosystems, animals and people overlaps. It is not a new concept but we, as the human population, have had to re-define it in the 21st century due to rapid environmental changes and rapid growth of the human population.
At this interface of ecosystem, animal and human health are various risks that need to be monitored and mitigated. We cannot view the health of any of the three parts in isolation. A collaboration across disciplines is essential meaning that doctors and veterinarians and environmental specialists all need to work together.
The emergence of certain diseases has drawn attention to the one health concept, including the Covid-19 virus, Aids and other serious illnesses, which are thought to have originated in animals. Diseases that are shared between humans and animals are called Zoonotic diseases and animals can be the source of many emerging diseases in humans.
The concept of one health also encompasses such concepts as responsible antimicobial use and food safety.
SAPPO promotes the health of pigs and the well being of farmers so that a high standard of pork can be provided to consumers. Fortunately, a healthy animal in a healthy environment is usually a more productive and profitable animal. One health is not just the next generations’ problem, it is our reality.
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) coordinates industry interventions and collaboratively manages risks in the value chain to enable the sustainability and profitability of pork producers in South Africa.
