Research by USGS scientists is critical to understanding the intricate ways human, animal, and ecosystem health are connected. Increased communication and collaboration between wildlife professionals and public health is fundamental to the success of the One Health movement.

Carol Rubin
Associate Director for Zoonoses and One Health, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Human, wildlife, domestic animal, and environmental health are often interconnected – in fact, 7 out of 10 emerging human diseases originated in animals. But we give some of our diseases to wildlife as well – and there are many devastating wildlife diseases that don't afflict people. Climate change, air and water quality, contaminants, reduced species diversity, and the ever-increasing contact between urban and wild lands increase the likelihood of disease transfer and spread. Together, these perturbations can create new or changing wildlife, agricultural, and public health threats. USGS scientists collaborate with public and animal health agencies on such diseases, playing an integral role in providing the disease identification, surveillance, and research information needed for appropriate disease response actions.