Читать книгу Pet-Specific Care for the Veterinary Team - Группа авторов - Страница 211

The One Health concept has been evident in literature as far back as ancient times when priests and healers cared for people and animals [1]. Because our ecosystem is shared so closely between people and animals, the actions of one affect the actions of the other (Figure 2.19.1). Because of these close connections, caring for one aspect of this system means caring for all.

Figure 2.19.1 A graphic representation of the One Health concept.

Animal owners come to the VHT for advice and education on keeping their pets healthy but because of these close connections, it also means keeping people and the environment healthy. The VHT should be knowledgeable about how their actions fit into the larger picture of the human/animal environment.

As pets have moved from sleeping in the yard, then the house and now, for some, the bedroom, the One Health concept has taken on more relevance. Living in close proximity with animals allows easy sharing of microbes, viruses, parasites, and toxins. In addition, animal‐loving people often take action when any animal needs help, not realizing that their actions might expose themselves (and their own pets) to potentially harmful consequences. In extreme cases, the VHT might need to work with other healthcare professionals to manage a situation or uncover the cause of an illness. Examples of some of the ways in which the three systems interact are with zoonotic diseases, antibiotic use, home‐made diets, and interaction with wildlife and stray animals.