MDARD, MDHHS, and MDNR Proudly Recognize One Health Day

Working as one to protect all: Maintaining animal, public, and environmental health through collaboration and partnership

LANSING, MI - The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and Natural Resources (MDNR) recognize One Health Day a day devoted to highlighting the interconnectedness of animal, public, and environmental health as well as the collaboration needed to address specific threats to these areas. With the One Health method, every Michigander has a role to play in ensuring animal health, public health, and environmental health. By working as one, we can protect all.

"The One Health approach describes the communication and coordination needed between federal, state, local, academic, industry, and community partners to effectively and efficiently respond to complex health threats," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "This approach was integral to Michigan's response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in both poultry and dairy cattle. By working across all sectors, the state had a rapid, robust, and comprehensive response. It takes all of us to protect all of us."

While the State of Michigan s response to highly pathogenic avian influenza was the most recent and high-profile application of the One Health approach, it has long been the definitive model used to tackle issues such as rabies, mosquito-borne diseases (like eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus), bovine tuberculosis, harmful algal blooms, and much more.

"As animals are also at risk of getting sick from some of the same diseases and environmental hazards as people, they can sometimes serve as early warning signs of potential human illness," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "When experts, including epidemiologists, laboratorians, physicians, and veterinarians, work together in a One Health approach, we can help improve the health of both people and animals."

"We always say conservation is a team sport, and that sentiment holds true when it comes to the strategic monitoring of wildlife diseases," said Mitch Marcus, DNR wildlife health supervisor. "By working closely with state, county, and local partners, as well as with Michigan s vigilant outdoorsmen and women, we are better prepared to protect the health of Michigan s wild animal populations and the people who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors."

The goal of the One Health approach is to create better health. By inviting collaboration and unifying different disciplines, perspectives, and objectives, complex health threats can be addressed with a full and thorough response, resulting in a healthier, more resilient Michigan.

For more information on One Health Day, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention s website. For more on One Health issues in Michigan, visit michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

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