The transmission of diseases from animals to humans is a growing public health threat. Today, the majority of emerging infectious diseases that affect humans originate in animals, including 11 of the previous 12 human pandemics. Dealing with the magnitude and complexity of biological, socioeconomic and environmental factors that impact disease transmission requires foresight, insights and actions to seek collective solutions and instill an awareness of the threat at the local level.
Foresight
Animal and Public Health Convergence Map
The Convergence Map is a visualization tool showing connections and convergences across different disciplines, sectors and social positions within animal and public health. The map provides information useful for strategic planning, innovation and critical thinking.
Convergence Map - English / Spanish (PDF - 1.2MB)
6 Big Stories - English / Spanish (PDF - 549KB)
Key Challenges
Insights
New Century, New Challenges, New Dilemmas: The Global Nexus of Animal and Public Health
September 8 – 13, 2007 – Salzburg, Austria
The Salzburg Global Seminar
The Global Nexus of Animal and Public Health gathered more than 50 attendees from 15 countries to address the convergence of animals, humans, the environment and disease. Using the Convergence Map, attendees provided insight and developed lines of actions for better living where humans, animals and the environment connect.
» Presentations given at the seminar
Actions
Convergence Workshops
Michigan State University – March 25 – 27, 2008 – East Lansing, Michigan
Faculty and researchers from Michigan State University (MSU), colleagues from local, state and federal governments, and representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, met at MSU to gain insight on trends and challenges within disease spread and management, and to explore opportunities for partnership.
University of Minnesota – May 13 – 14, 2008 – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Faculty and researchers from the University of Minnesota (UMN) and representatives from state government, industry and commodity groups met with representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to explore “one health” partnerships at the intersection of animal and public health.
» Presentations given at the workshop
» Summary of the workshop (PDF - 158KB)
» Funding opportunity - "One Health" grants - Applications due by May 30, 2008 (PDF - 38KB)
» Photo album
May 26 — 31, 2008 – EARTH University – Costa Rica
"Prepared Communities: Assuming Leadership & Acting in an Innovative Way to Prevent Diseases transmitted between Animals & Humans"
Representatives from various sectors and those involved in animal and human health, the production sector, civil society and academic institutions will meet to develop collective actions to manage the convergence of animals, humans and diseases, and understand how to instill awareness of the threat of disease at a local level.
» Learn more