Consideration of COVID-19 beyond the human-centred approach of prevention and control: the ONE-HEALTH perspective

Most of the new emerging and re-emerging zoonotic virus outbreaks in recent years stem from close interaction with dead or alive infected animals. Since late 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread into 221 countries and territories resulting in close to 300 million known infections and 5.4 million deaths in addition to a huge impact on both public health and the world economy. This paper reviews the COVID-19 prevalence in animals, raise concerns about animal welfare and discusses the role of environment in the transmission of COVID-19. Attention is drawn to the One Health concept as it emphasizes the environment in connection with the risk of transmission and establishment of diseases shared between animals and humans. Considering the importance of One Health for an effective response to the dissemination of infections of pandemic character, some unsettled issues with respect to COVID-19 are highlighted.

Automated summary

Most of the recent emerging and re-emerging zoonotic virus outbreaks can be attributed to close interaction with infected animals. Since late 2019, COVID-19 has spread globally, causing millions of infections and deaths, as well as significant effects on public health and the economy. This paper reviews the prevalence of COVID-19 in animals, raises concerns about animal welfare, and discusses the role of the environment in the transmission of the virus. The importance of the One Health concept is highlighted, along with unsettled issues regarding COVID-19.