RVC textbook reveals key concepts of One Health approach
The One Health approach has become essential in many different fields.
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has published a new textbook, designed to improve understanding of and access to One Health across various fields.
The textbook, Principles of One Health for a better planet, is intended to provide an essential, entry-level resource for veterinary professionals to learn about key elements of One Health.
One Health is a concept which explores the links between human, animal, plant and ecological health. It has become a focus in many health fields, considering implications to climate change, inequality and food security.
It calls on experts from each of the fields to share their research and to collaborate to create integrated approaches and sustainable solutions.
RVC’s textbook explores the nine core competencies needed to incorporate a One Health approach. It aims to support learners with understanding the skills, attitudes and knowledge behind the concept.
Readers will be taught to consider the ‘whole system’ needed to develop holistic solutions, with learning supported through key concepts, terms, activities and applied examples.
The textbook has been edited by Barbara Häsler, a researcher and professor in agrihealth from RVC. Prof Häsler has collated contributions from more than 60 One Health experts from around the world to create the guide.
Prof Häsler said: “The idea for this book was born a few years ago when several colleagues expressed a need to have an entry-level textbook in support of their One Health teaching and learning.
“Thanks to the collective effort, experience and expertise of this large and dedicated international group of authors, we have created a book that we hope will make it easy for people to engage with One Health and use the approach innovatively and enthusiastically for better health and sustainability.”
RVC says that the release of its new textbook is a part of its commitment to One Health education and research. It conducts research projects in pursuit of One Health goals, exploring areas such as antimicrobial resistance, food systems and disease control.
It also offers a postgraduate course with an interdisciplinary curriculum and real world applications.
The textbook, Principles of One Health for a better planet, has been published by CABI and can be purchased here.
Image © Shutterstock
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
