The role of veterinary services in the ‘One Health’ approach: Interview with Dr Mabalo Kossi, veterinary surgeon and President of the National Order of Veterinary Surgeons of Togo

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Extract from the article: In this interview, Dr MABALO Kossi, a veterinary surgeon and President of the National Order of Veterinary Surgeons of Togo, explains why the work of veterinary services goes far beyond simply caring for animals...

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“Veterinarians also protect human health and the environment”

Under the ‘One Health’ approach, human health, animal health and environmental health are closely interlinked. Veterinary services therefore play a major role in the surveillance, prevention and control of zoonotic diseases, as well as in the protection of biodiversity and food safety. In this interview, Dr MABALO Kossi, a veterinary surgeon and President of the National Order of Veterinary Surgeons of Togo, explains why the work of veterinary services goes far beyond simply caring for animals.

SANTE-EDUCATION: What is the role of veterinary services in the ‘One Health’ approach?

Dr Mabalo Kossi: When we talk about a vet, we generally think of a professional who works with animals using nothing but a syringe.  It is important to understand that humans have always lived in close interaction with animals, whether for companionship, livestock farming or the consumption of animal products. Humans and animals share the same environment.

This proximity also means that humans can contract diseases from animals. This is the case with zoonotic diseases, which include rabies, tuberculosis, brucellosis, anthrax and even Ebola.

Veterinarians must therefore play a part in combating these diseases effectively. This involves, in particular, the surveillance of diseases of animal origin. This requires veterinary epidemiologists tasked with monitoring the progression of these diseases and helping to draw up action plans to control or eradicate them. Veterinarians thus indirectly help to protect humans, because if a disease is eliminated or controlled in animals, the risk of it being transmitted to humans is also reduced or even eliminated.

This is the whole point of the ‘One Health’ approach. Animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. Vets work directly with animals, but this work has implications for human health and, indirectly, for the environment.

What role do veterinary services play in protecting the environment and biodiversity?

The role of veterinary services is not limited to pets or farm animals. It also extends to wildlife and biodiversity.

There are interactions between wild animals and domestic animals, but also between wild animals and humans. These various connections can have health implications.

‘Veterinarians therefore also play a part in preserving biodiversity and protecting wildlife, helping to maintain a certain balance between different ecosystems.’

The environmental dimension is important in the ‘One Health’ approach, as animal health, human health and the balance of ecosystems are interdependent.

Why is veterinary surveillance important for public health?

Veterinary surveillance enables the detection of diseases in animals, as well as in food, and allows measures to be taken before they are transmitted to humans.

All livestock farms should therefore be subject to veterinary supervision. This monitoring enables the health status of animals to be tracked and action to be taken when a disease is detected.

Surveillance also covers products of animal origin. For example, milk from an infected herd can be a source of transmission for certain diseases, notably brucellosis and tuberculosis, when consumed fresh.

Veterinary control therefore helps to reduce risks to consumers.

What is the role of veterinary services in preventing antimicrobial resistance?

When a vet treats an animal or a herd. They ensure the proper use of veterinary medicines, particularly antibiotics. This involves choosing the appropriate treatment, adhering to the prescribed doses and raising farmers’ awareness of the need to observe the withdrawal period – that is, the period that must elapse after administering a medicine before the meat, milk or other products from the treated animals can be consumed.

The responsible use of antibiotics helps to limit the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance, a phenomenon that can compromise the effectiveness of treatments in both animals and humans. This precaution is particularly important in the context of the antimicrobial resistance crisis currently facing the world.

Veterinary services therefore play a vital role in preventing animal diseases, regulating the use of medicines and monitoring their use. Through these actions, they help to protect animal health, human health and, more broadly, the health of the environment, in line with the ‘One Health’ principle.

What is the key message to take away from this ‘One Health’ approach?

Animals are important to communities, but their close proximity to humans requires certain precautions and professional oversight.

Veterinary services play a vital role in this protection. They are involved in the surveillance of animal diseases, the prevention of zoonoses, health checks on livestock and animal products, as well as the protection of wildlife and biodiversity.

The ‘One Health’ approach thus reminds us that human health, animal health and the environment cannot be considered in isolation. By protecting animal health, vets also help to protect human health and the balance of ecosystems.

Interview by Raymond DZAKPATA