One Health One Welfare makes the world better for all

A picture showing mink in a Canadian fur farm.
Mink (Neogale vison) on Canadian fur farms are kept in small, wire-bottomed cages without access to running water or the ability to exercise their instinctual habits.
Photo by WeAnimals

By Dr. Jane Young

As concerns about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) grow in our post-pandemic world, links between how we treat animals and viral mutations, and spread are becoming more prevalent. While fur farming remains legal in Canada, concerns about the industry’s role in creating risks for public health grow. The One Health One Welfare approach is a concept that ties these issues together, along with solutions to protect everyone.

What is One Health One Welfare?

The “One Health” concept recognizes that the health of animals, humans, and the environment are interconnected and interdependent and has focused on human health and activities. Recently, One Health has been extended and complemented by the “One Welfare” concept to include the connectedness of animal welfare, human well-being, and environmental integrity. One Welfare brings a new dimension to the equation and promotes interdisciplinary and coordinated efforts to improve animal and human welfare worldwide.

One Health One Welfare in action

Decreasing animal and human abuse. The Violence Link is the well documented link between animal abuse and human abuse. Multiple studies have demonstrated that more than half of the victims of domestic violence delay leaving out of fear for the safety of their companion animals. Recognizing the Violence Link will help to eliminate barriers for individuals and their animals leaving violence and abuse (Read more: Women with pets more likely to endure domestic abuse, study finds (CBC 2017)).

Improving animal welfare and human health. Fur farming involves horrendous conditions for fur-bearing animals and there is a heightened risk of zoonotic disease transmission due to the increased and sustained contact between humans and fur-bearing animals. A recent study indicates that fur farming represents an important transmission hub for viral zoonoses. The livestock industry also adds to human health problems as intensive livestock production, creation of multi-species farms, long and crowded animal transport, and overuse of antibiotics all contribute to epidemiological risk. (Read more: Fur farming and zoonotic disease risk (Humane Society International, 2024)).

Improving biodiversity and human well-being. Increased wildlife biodiversity impacts human well-being in a positive way. A higher number of bird species in urban spaces make people happier.

Improving wild animal welfare. The lack of regulation of the exotic pet trade results in animal suffering and death and ecosystems are threatened as animals are taken from their homes. Human health is also threatened with zoonoses transfer. Local ecosystems can be impacted from exotics that escape or are released, not to mention the vulnerability of animals in unfamiliar territory.

An aerial image showing a large fur farm in Nova Scotia. Numerous sheds can be seen.
An aerial view of a Nova Scotia fur farm.
Photo by We Animals

Why is this important?

The increasing unpredictability of our world requires us to deal with complex challenges with regard to climate change, infectious diseases, animal (domestic and wild) welfare, mental health, and conflict. There is no better time than the present to embrace a concept such as One Welfare that can support holistic solutions to multifaceted and interdisciplinary problems. With a One Welfare approach, we are promoting just and sustainable practices that impact animals, humans, and the environment worldwide. For a concise and informative chapter on the connections between One Health and One Welfare, please see: One_Health_and_One_Welfare_Chapter__1884F534ED0DD.pdf.

What can we do about it?

We can educate our youth on the importance of seeing the world as interconnecting parts devoid of silos and encourage responsibility, empathy, and humility. On a daily basis, we can all be cognizant of our interactions with animals and the environment. What goes around comes around.

You can join the movement to end fur farming in Canada by visiting FurFarming.ca!

About Dr. Jane Young

Dr. Jane Young is a retired botany professor from the University of Northern British Columbia. Her PhD is from the University of Toronto, MSc from University of Guelph, and BSc from York University. Jane is very passionate about animal welfare. She is a member of The Fur-Bearers, Canadian Violence Link Coalition and Women for Humane Canada, and is Chair of the Cariboo & North Regional Council of the BC SPCA. She lives with her husband, Dave, and sweet adopted shih tzu-mix, Marty.

Help Make A Difference

Join The Fur-Bearers today and help us protect fur-bearing animals in the wild and confinement. To become a monthly donor (for as little as $10/month – the cost of two lattes) please click here and help us save lives today. Your donation is tax-deductible.

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