Exciting call for an "International Society of One Health"

Find the original article on the One Health Initiative website here: http://www.onehealthinitiative.com/news.php

“International Society of One Health” Proposed by One Health 2011 Congress Leaders

Eminent leaders of the 1^st International One Health Congress meeting from 14 – 16 February 2011 http://www.onehealth2011.com/ are proposing establishment of a visionary “International Society of One Health”.  Drs. Martyn Jeggo and David Heymann, a veterinarian and physician respectively, plan to include an all inclusive draft proposal statement* in the satchels of the delegates at the One Health Congress meeting. 

 The all-encompassing nature of the worldwide Society draft proposal notably contains reference to including One Health comparative biomedical clinical research aspects as well as public health (infectious diseases/zoonoses) at subsequent meetings, the next anticipated being in Canada.  Promoting and facilitating expeditious better understanding of disease processes through a comprehensive “One Health” comparative medicine approach involving public health, environmental health, biomedical research and clinical medicine and surgery appears in the offing.  Ostensibly, in addition to the critical and essential public health mission utilizing more efficacious One Health principles, there is expected to be recognition of and engagement with broad-spectrum high profile human and animal health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, orthopaedic problems and others.

 A goal of institutionalizing the One Health Movement to provide a formal setting for funding acquisition in order to establish a host of cardinal activities is included. TheInternational Society would be established initially by an all inclusive interim international Board as stated in the draft proposal.

 Martyn H. Jeggo, BVetMed, PhD is Director, CSIRO Livestock Industries Australian Animal Health Laboratory (Australia) and David L. Heymann, MD is Director, U.K. Health Protection Agency (United Kingdom) and Editor, Control of Communicable Diseases Manual.  Drs. Jeggo and Heymann are both members of the One Health Initiative autonomous pro bono Team’s Honorary Advisory Board http://www.onehealthinitiative.com/advBoard.php.  At this time, expected attendance for the 1^st International One Health Congress meeting is now known to be over 600.

Anyone reading this News item and unable to attend the meeting are welcome and encouraged to provide feedback by answering the questions listed at the bottom of this proposal and adding any further comment(s).  Please respond to:

Email: onehealth2011@arinex.com.au 
Phone: + 61 3 9417 0888
Facsimile: + 61 3 9417 0899
Mail:
arinex pty limited
91- 97 Islington Street
Collingwood VIC 3066
Australia

____________________________________________

Please see Publications Page http://www.onehealthinitiative.com/publications.php for Original International One Health Society Proposal attachment:

*From 14 – 16 February 2011, Melbourne Australia will host the Inaugural International One Health Congress. The Congress will bring together experts working in the areas of animal and human disease and will address the need and growing interest to broaden the agenda of One Health and incorporate a truly global perspective by including environmental issues.

The “One Health” concept has gained considerable momentum during the planning of the Congress and a clear need for an ongoing Congress forum has been identified. More than that, the idea of establishing an International Society of One Health has emerged as an idea that has great substance and has already garnered worldwide support.

Working alongside other established initiatives such as the One World Website and linking with International and National bodies promoting the One Health concept, Drs. Martyn Jeggo, Chair of the 2011 Congress Committee and David Heymann, Chair of Scientific Committee propose that an International Society of One Health be established and share the following early initial thoughts for your comment(s):

International Society for One Health

The International Congress in Melbourne will allow for open and global consideration of the interrelated issues of animal and human health and the relationship with the environment, and plans are underway for a follow on Congress in two years in Canada. To continue this momentum the Society would:

·          create the framework to foster projects that can work across all three areas of One Health (Humans, animals and the environment)

·          while initially focusing on public health (infectious diseases) at the first Congress meeting, include One Health comparative biomedical clinical research at subsequent meetings

·          institutionalise the One Health Movement to provide a formal setting for funding and activities

·          promote the exchange of research data, information and knowledge

·          promote knowledge exchange through scientific visits and secondments

·          seek funding and related resources for research activities

·          seek funding for fellowships and scholarships

·          host and manage a Biennial International Congress

·          establish a One Health Scientific Journal

·          provide activity updates through a regular Newsletter

·          implement as appropriate priority activities identified by policy setting Organisations (National Governments, WHO, FAO, OIE).

The International Society would be established initially by an interim Board with the following proposed membership:

·          Two senior members of the Organising Committee of the 1^st International One Health Congress

·          A Representative of OIE

·          A Representative of WHO

·          A Representative of FAO

·          A Representative of the UN

·          A Representative of the World Bank

·          A Representative from the major international development agencies

·          A Representative of the US One Health Initiative Autonomous pro bono Team 

·          A Representative of the US CDC or member of the Stone Mountain working group

·          A Representative from each WHO region

·          A Representative of the Next Host Country (in this instance, Canada)

In addition to the interim Board, it is also proposed that there be a Scientific Advisory Committee that would be created before the next Biennial international congress and oversee the Scientific Program.

The Society would be established as a not-for-profit charitable company that is incorporated (within Australia), and have as a key responsibility, the task of mobilising, generating and allocating resources for specific activities as outlined above. Upon the official establishment of the Society, the interim Board would be tasked with preparing drafts of all governance documents for endorsement at the next One Health International Congress.

We invite your comments for discussion during the International Congress in February.

Yours Sincerely,                                                                                  

                                         

Martyn Jeggo                                                                             David Heymann                                                               

Director                                                                                       Chairman, Scientific Advisory Committee 

Chairman, Organising Committee                                                                 

          In order to progress ideas and reach consensus on the way forward delegates at the One Health Congress are invited to provide feedback to the proposal above through answering the     

           following questions and adding any further comment they wish:

                                                                                                                      

          Would you support the establishment of International Society for One

1.                   Health?

          Would you see the aims as appropriate at this stage?

          Would you see the activities as described appropriate at this stage?

2.                Would you see the proposed  Board representation and other organisational

3.                    arrangements as appropriate?

4.                Would you see the composition of the Board as appropriate?

5.                What further suggestions would you make if developing this concept:

6.      

7.                Additional Comments:

Review of One Health Intellectual Exchange 2011 Session 3 (Dr. Alan Beck)

On January 25th, 2011, Dr. Alan Beck, Director of the Center of the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University, presented a lecture entitled “A tale of two species: co-evolution and domestication of dogs and people” to the One Health Collaborative Intellectual Exchange Group. In a simultaneously entertaining and informative lecture, Dr. Beck explored the roots of our unique relationship with domesticated animals through a detailed discussion of the domestication of dogs, the first animals to enter into such a relationship. First, he differentiated domestication from other types of human-animal bonds and gave a brief history of the domestication of dogs. He then noted that Belyaev’s fox farm provides experimental evidence that domestication is possible. Selectively bred for tameness alone, these foxes exhibit many characteristics (such as floppy ears, piebaldness, white “star” marking on the forehead) that are common to most domesticated species including dogs, horses, cats and sheep. Domestic animals of all species also appear to have “grown up as babies.” A comparison of dog and wolf morphology demonstrates that dogs most resemble the juvenile, rather than the adult, wolf. This resemblance may be significant in the domestication process. Features such as prominent eyes and larger head size, possessed by dogs, cats, ET and Mickey Mouse, have been observed to stir emotions of love and protection in humans. Today, we know that the human-animal relationship can be so strong that the presence or simple touch of an owner will slow a dog's heartrate, and a dog's companionship will often calm a person's anxiety. As we continue to develop a One Health perspective, Dr. Beck's words helped us understand what allowed dogs to enter human lives in such a unique way and reflect on the interconnectedness of humans and animals, especially domesticated ones. While animals may pose some health and disease risks to humans, any program to address these risks must take into account the benefits of the human-animal bond and work to promote both human and animal health simultaneously.

Discussion questions from students and attendees:

What detrimental effects of “wild” animal domestication have occurred for both humans and animals?

Companion animals such as dogs can act as reservoirs for human diseases like rabies and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Has this always occurred and how can it affect human-pet interactions? How has domestication played a role in human-animal transmission of disease?

How is this knowledge applicable to public health? How can it be made accessible and distributed to those who work on population human health issues?

Should ownership of violent breeds of dogs (such as the pitbull) be allowed from a public health standpoint?

How can we balance the tension between the benefits and risks of the human-animal relationship (i.e. companionship vs disease transmission)?

Interesting conference coming up: Addressing Human Health and Security in a Changing Climate

http://www.sidgduke.com/

• Home
• About SIDG
• Register Here!
• Speakers
• Schedule
• Photography Contest
• Directions
• Sponsors

BEYOND THE BRINK: Addressing Human Health and Security in a Changing Climate 
FEB. 11, 2011 - 8:30 AM - 5 PM, Searle Center at Duke University
Register here.

Hosted by DGHI and the Student International Discussion Group, this symposium will examine the impacts, implications and adaptations related to global climate change. Leaders in the field will explore questions such as:

• What physical changes are occurring due to the changing climate?
• What do those changes mean for human well-being?
• How can we adapt to the effects on human well-being?

The morning will consist of a keynote address and the first panel about physical impacts of climate change. The afternoon will consist of the second panel concerning adapation strategies and a participant discussion.

This event is co-sponsored by DGHI and the Nicholas School for the Environment. Email Questions to coordinators: Leslie Acton and Cassidy Travis with any questions.

Upcoming on February 1st: Session 4: The biology and control of dengue virus: Immune responses, disease dynamics and genetic modification of the mosquito vector

The One Health Intellectual Exchange "Philosophy to Practical Integration of Human, Animal and Environmental Health", an IEG discussion series, is sponsored by the Triangle Global Health Consortium One Health Collaborative. It is designed to enhance collaborations between physicians, veterinarians, researchers and other local / global health professionals by increasing public awareness of the interconnectedness of people, animals and the environment.

Session 4: The biology and control of dengue virus: Immune responses, disease dynamics and genetic modification of the mosquito vector

This session will include a 3-part panel with leading researchers, Dr. Dr. Aravinda Desilva, Dr. Katia Koelle and Dr. Fred Gould. Read on for more information on their presentations. 

Dr. Aravinda Desilva, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: a case study of a disease in which the human immune response can be beneficial or harmful

Dr. Desilva Bio

The disease caused by dengue viruses is complex.  Severe dengue hemorrhagic fever is a consequence of both the strain of virus infecting a person and the individual’s immune response to the virus.   I will summarize our current understand of mechanisms involved in protective and pathogenic immune responses to dengue.  I will discuss how studies on dengue pathogenesis are relevant to developing a safe and effective vaccine.   I expect the discussion to focus on how the immune response to a virus can both help and hurt the host.  I also expect a good discussion on the practicalities of developing a vaccine that is accessible to the people who need it the most,.

Learning goals:

1) Understand that many infectious diseases have complex presentation with severe cases only representing a small fraction of infections.

2) Understand the antibody dependent enhancement hypothesis of severe dengue

3) Be up to date with current approaches being used to develop dengue vaccines and the practicalities of deploying a dengue vaccine

Dr. Katia Koelle, Mathematical models for understanding the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of dengue

Dr. Koelle Bio

Dengue is an acutely infecting RNA virus classified into four distinct strains called serotypes. These four serotypes co-circulate in many dengue endemic countries. Interestingly, in several of these countries, it appears that these four serotypes occur asynchronously in time, effectively taking turns infecting individuals.  This presentation will focus on these intriguing serotype dynamics and how mathematical models of disease transmission can be used to better understand them. I will specifically address the possible roles that antibody-dependent enhancement and temporary cross-immunity play in shaping these dynamics. I will also discuss how mathematical models can be used as public health tools to evaluate the effect of disease control strategies (vaccination and vector control). I expect the discussion to focus on the (ideal) iterative interaction between the findings of mathematical models, the findings of virological studies, and the findings of epidemiological studies.

 Learning goals:

1) Develop a basic understanding of compartmental disease models and what they are useful for.

2) Understand how herd immunity and the immunological interactions between dengue’s four serotypes can affect patterns of dengue incidence.

3) Understand how dengue models can be used to evaluate and suggest vaccination strategies.

Dr. Fred Gould, Genomic approaches for manipulating mosquito vectors of malaria and dengue

Dr. Gould Bio

This presentation will introduce the participants to approaches for genetically engineering mosquito strains that can be released into wild populations with the goal of either decreasing the density of the mosquito vector or altering the vector population in a manner that decreases its ability to transmit the disease. I will give a very brief overview of the genomic methods used and will touch on some of the ecological and ethical issues. I will also discuss how hybrid population dynamic/genetic models can be used to assess approaches for integrating vaccine delivery strategies with mosquito manipulation. I expect the discussion to focus on social and operational issues related to use of transgenic mosquitoes.

 Learning goals:

1) Have a very basic understanding of transgenic strategies for manipulating mosquitoes.

2) Be able to discuss the interaction between vector manipulation and vaccine use.

3) Be aware of ethical and operational issues related to use of transgenic mosquitoes.

Suggested readings for this session are referenced below:

Enserink, M. GM Mosquito Trial Alarms Opponents, Strains Ties in Ga...

Gould, F, Magori, K. and Huan, Y. 2006. Genetic Strategies for Cont...

Gubler, DJ. The changing epidemiology of yellow fever and dengue, 1...

Kyle, J. L. and E. Harris. Global Spread and Persistence of Dengue....

Ooi, E. and DJ Gubler. Dengue in Southeast Asia: epidemiological ch...

Schmidt, AC. 2010. Response to Dengue Fever — The Good, the Bad, an...

Exciting & diverse group for the One Health IEG

In looking at the student makeup in the One Health Intellectual Exchange Series, I thought it would be interesting to share who we have enrolled. Of the students enrolled and auditing, we have the following represented (some students fit into multiple roles, so total count is not accurate): 

3 MD/global health students, including a visiting medical student from Singapore

1 nursing student

6 MPH students with interests in maternal/child health, nutrition and environment

5 global health masters students

6 students with environmental science/management interests 

1 undergrad with epidemiology and bushmeat interest

3 vet students

1 infectious disease researcher

As you can see, an interesting mix. Add to that the 30-40 local professionals from all fields that have been attending the weekly sessions. Last night we saw biostatisticians, behavioral researchers, environmental health scientists, vets, entomologists, doctors, etc. 

This is going to be a great semester!

One Health Library Guide created by Duke Global Health Librarian

Duke Global Health librarian, Diane Harvey, immediately reached out to the One Health course organizers to get involved. She has put together a fantastic resource for the course and our students, a One Health LibGuide. This guide will be very helpful in researching case studies and learning more about One Health. Diane has been working with her counterparts at UNC, Mellanye Lackey, and NC State, to provide resources to the students. She has also taught us all how to set up a Google Reader for One Health, so we'll all be in the know about current One Health news. Keep checking back as we update our news section with stories.

Check it out:
http://guides.library.duke.edu/content.php?pid=176948&sid=1489725

One Health Intellectual Exchange 2011 Session 3 (Jan. 25): A Tale of Two Species: Co-evolution and Domestication of Dogs and People with Dr. Alan Beck

The One Health Intellectual Exchange "Philosophy to Practical Integration of Human, Animal and Environmental Health", an IEG discussion series, is sponsored by the Triangle Global Health Consortium One Health Collaborative. It is designed to enhance collaborations between physicians, veterinarians, researchers and other local / global health professionals by increasing public awareness of the interconnectedness of people, animals and the environment.

Session 3: Jan 25, 2011: A Tale of Two Species: Co-evolution and Domestication of Dogs and People

Domestication of the dog involves both humans and dogs developing together. One can guess that some of the earliest reasons for dog domestication were practical; dogs were guardians, were sentinels for the presence of other humans or animals, perhaps to be used to captured or restrained prey species, and perhaps to be eaten themselves when necessary. When looking at domestication as a naturally occurring event, and not simply artificial selection, it is very possible that dogs were, first and foremost created to be the companions of their creators and significantly influenced the survival and culture of human beings. The presentation will discuss the mechanisms of domestication, the hypothesis of the dog-human pack; mastering and loving, and the implication of domestication for humans and animals.

Featuring speaker/discussion leader Dr. Alan Beck, Director, Center of the Human - Animal Bond and Dorothy N. McAllister Professor of Animal Ecology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University

Suggested readings for this session are referenced below and Dr. Beck's bio is attached:

1. Darcy F. Morey. 1994. The early evolution of the domestic dog American Scientist

82:336-347.

2. Driscoll CA, Macdonald DW, O’Brien SJ. 2009. From wild animals to domestic pets, an evolutionary view of domestication. PNAS. 106:9971-9978, June 16.

3. Brian Hare, Michelle Brown, Christina Williamson, Michael Tomasello. 2002. The domestication of social cognition in dogs. Science. 298(November 22):1634- 1636.

4. Lyudmila N. Trut, 1999. Early canid domestication: the farm-fox experiment. American Scientist 87(2): 160-166. [the work of Dmitry Belyaev]

5.  DK Belyaev, 1979. Destabilizing selection as a factor in domestication The Journal of Heredity 70:301-308. [the original study]

Click here to go to the event notice to RSVP.