Insects and Public Health: An Overview

Simple Summary Traditional and emerging topics bridging insects and public health are described because insects affect human and animal health. Addressing public health professionals, this paper aims to (i) outline and enforce the role of public health authorities in different sectors involving insects, health, food and feed, (ii) improve the rearing, management conditions and animal welfare of insects, and (iii) enhance research activities on different aspects of the insect-public health interface. Insects are, by far, the most common animals on our planet. The ubiquity and plethora of ecological niches occupied by insects, along with the strict and sometimes forced coexistence between insects and humans, make insects a target of public health interest. This article reports the negative aspects historically linked to insects as pests and vectors of diseases, and describes their potential as bioindicators of environmental pollution, and their use as food and feed. Both negative and positive impacts of insects on human and animal health need to be addressed by public health professionals who should aim to strike a balance within the wide range of sometimes conflicting goals in insect management, such as regulating their production, exploiting their potential, protecting their health and limiting their negative impact on animals and humans. This requires increased insect knowledge and strategies to preserve human health and welfare. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of traditional and emerging topics bridging insects and public health to highlight the need for professionals, to address these topics during their work. The present and future role and activities of public health authorities regarding insects are analyzed.

Automated summary

This paper discusses traditional and emerging topics related to the connection between insects and public health, emphasizing the impact insects have on human and animal health. It outlines the role of public health authorities in various sectors involving insects, health, and food, and emphasizes the need for improved rearing conditions, animal welfare, and research activities related to the insect-public health interface. The article highlights the negative aspects of insects as pests and disease vectors, as well as their potential as bioindicators of environmental pollution and as a source of food and feed. Public health professionals are encouraged to address both the negative and positive impacts of insects on health and to develop strategies that prioritize human welfare while managing insect populations. The article provides an overview of the current and future role and activities of public health authorities regarding insects.