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Animal health
The scope of One Health is inherently wide-ranging and, while many elements are relevant to the veterinary profession, this article focuses only on the animal health themes of particular relevance to veterinary nurses( VNs).
A central theme within this context is the human – animal bond( HAB), primarily between humans and companion animals. Overgaauw et al. [ 20 ] investigated the HAB with particular emphasis on the positive aspects of the relationship, which they termed‘ zooeyia’. They found beneficial reductions in anxiety, loneliness and depression in humans. The investigation also looked at the negative impacts of the relationship between humans and animals, and found issues around feeding, behaviour, breeding, welfare and zoonotic potential, for example via animals licking human wounds and faces, and pets sleeping in human beds. Further issues included importation and the associated risks around pathogen movement, and the potential for anthroponotic disease transmission. In their conclusions, the authors did not disregard the benefits of or need for companion animals, but they suggested a need for responsible pet ownership, husbandry and hygiene.
It is clear that the HAB represents a crucial dimension of the One Health framework, reinforcing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. It is important for veterinary professionals, healthcare practitioners, environmental scientists, public health specialists and wildlife experts to work together to enhance the integration and application of the One Health principles in both clinical and community settings. With a multi-sector and transdisciplinary approach, threats to animal health and human health can be better recognised, monitored and controlled [ 20 ].
Antimicrobial resistance
AMR has attracted considerable attention across all areas of the One Health triad and is also of particular relevance to VNs. The use of antimicrobials for the treatment of infectious diseases is well established in both human and veterinary medicine, but their impact extends far beyond clinical settings.
The environmental implications of antimicrobial use are increasingly being recognised, including the potential for contamination through pharmaceutical waste, adverse effects on wildlife, and the development of resistance among soil-borne pathogens associated with herbicidal compounds. It is now well documented that groups of pathogens have gained resistance to the drugs that have conventionally been used against them [ 6 ].
A comprehensive exploration of this subject is beyond the scope of this article; however, a fundamental concern lies in the imbalance between the rate of AMR development and the discovery and production of new antimicrobial agents. Current trends indicate that novel compounds are not being produced rapidly enough to counter emerging resistant strains, and antimicrobial prescribing practices are not always consistent with recognised best-practice guidelines [ 7 ].
Factors contributing to AMR include:
• prescribing the‘ incorrect drug for the bug’
• failure to complete courses of medications when patients start to feel better
• inappropriate use of drugs for prophylaxis
• overuse of broad-spectrum antimicrobials in the absence of culture and sensitivity testing.
Under the One Health umbrella, allied professions should ensure appropriate use of the currently available antimicrobials and investigate novel products [ 6 ]. Other measures being implemented in the fight against AMR include the appointment of stewardship personnel to monitor and regulate antimicrobial use; policies and procedures to govern antimicrobial application and dispensing; and amnesty programmes [ 8 ].
How VNs can support One Health
Protecting human health
VNs play an integral role in client-facing discussions and, as a result, are well placed to help protect human health as well as animal health. VN consultations can involve discussions around preventative healthcare for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. For example, discussions can address the use of antiparasitic drugs to prevent infections with ectoparasites and endoparasites, along with promoting the benefits of vaccinations, and guidance can help reduce the occurrence of zoonotic transmission due to the HAB.
Supporting animal health
In addition to the aforementioned discussions, VNs can support animal health in their consultations by talking to pet owners about the appropriate diet, dental care and life-stage requirements for their pet, which can also contribute to reducing the incidence of non-communicable diseases in animals [ 21 ].
Low-flow anaesthesia
The use of low-flow general anaesthesia can help reduce the contribution to air pollution by volatile maintenance agents. Also, replacing the use of nitrous oxide, known to be a greenhouse gas, with better analgesic regimens has been shown to help control patient responses to the noxious stimuli of surgery [ 22 ].
Volume 41( 2) • April 2026
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