The new report recommends future steps for sustainability.

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has published a new report, detailing how the animal health industry can support global One Health and sustainability.

Within the report, the trade association has produced recommendations of how organisations across the industry can contribute to the cause.

Among the recommendations in the report is a regulatory framework for veterinary medicines, which NOAH says would ensure safe medicines stay available and accessible for all animals. The association says that updated UK Veterinary Medicines Regulations would remove unnecessary burdens, and include novel and innovative products.

Furthermore, they have stated the importance that routes for veterinary medicines to market remain available. This would mean that animal owners can continue to access veterinary medicines, with necessary prescription controls.

NOAH has also pushed for better collaboration and partnership between human, animal and environmental sectors in finding sustainable One Health solutions to challenges that affect any sector.

Other recommendations made in NOAH’s report include training for farmers on disease prevention, increased awareness on responsible medicine use, assured funding for development of new medicines and improved diagnostics of diseases in animals.

The guidance has been created with a One Health approach, which suggests that animal, human and environmental health are interconnected and should be considered as a whole. NOAH believes that, by following their recommendations, the veterinary industry will contribute significantly to 10 out of 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations in its 2030 agenda.

The organisation says that these steps will support the UK with reaching economic viability, holding environmental responsibility and protecting the health of society.

Dawn Howard, NOAH chief executive, said: “The animal health industry is dedicated to a One Health approach to identify and interpret problems, and to find and apply One Health solutions for a healthy balance across all three systems. Achieving this healthy balance is a key element in achieving a sustainable present and future for human and animal health and the health of the planet we share.

“We’re proud to put together this report which outlines examples of where the work of the animal health sector contributes to One Health, and the UK’s sustainability goals.”

The full report can be found here.

Image © NOAH