The global biosecurity framework faces a potential critical transition driven by synthetic biology advancements and declining population-level immunity. This review evaluates smallpox as a central case study for contemporary pathogen governance and biopolitical preparedness. We analyze the convergence of two primary risks: the technical feasibility of de novo orthopoxvirus synthesis and the expanding immunity gap following the cessation of routine vaccination. The 2022 mpox resurgence is assessed as a sentinel event revealing strategic vulnerabilities in cross-protective immunity. Ultimately, this perspective argues that smallpox reemergence risk is not merely a technological byproduct, but a fundamental global governance crisis. To mitigate these threats, we propose a multidimensional framework integrated with One Health principles and transnational coordination. Maintaining strategic vigilance and institutional memory is presented as a critical political capacity for post-eradication health security.

There is an inadequate understanding of how antimicrobial resistance (AMR) governance initiatives have been operationalized in low- and middle income countries (LMICs). This scoping review examines peer-reviewed literature on this topic. We searched EMBASE, CAB Abstracts, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, and Hinari databases for articles on AMR governance within and across human, animal, environment, and plant health from 2000 to 2024. We screened articles for inclusion and used thematic analysis to synthesize information from included articles. We identified 50 articles, which suggest that AMR governance in LMICs is predominantly shaped by the Global Action Plan. National Action Plans are the most widely adopted AMR governance tool, but with little contextualization and uneven implementation progress. Although the One Health (OH) approach is central to AMR containment, complex coordination and power hierarchies across a diverse range of global, regional, and country-specific AMR stakeholders with distinct roles, capacities, and interests, undermine its use, and contribute to inequities in containment responses. Strengthening AMR governance in LMICs requires institutional and political commitment, just and equitable involvement of OH stakeholders, and the mainstreaming of AMR containment into existing structures to leverage existing resources, skills and institutional capacity while contextualizing responses to local needs.

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), established to preserve and promote interdisciplinary research on traditional knowledge, have been increasingly discussed in relation to diversity, nationalism, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science. A recent article in this journal argues that IKS exhibits a Vedic Hindu-centric bias, marginalizing various knowledge traditions and fostering pseudoscience. This article discusses IKS from historical, demographic, institutional, and research perspectives, focusing on its origins, civilizational diversity, early studies of traditional knowledge, and funded projects. We observed that traditional knowledge research in India predated IKS, with support from multiple agencies. However, IKS, under a single institutional structure, provides a more structured ecosystem aimed at greater visibility, coordinated funding, innovation, and scientific validation. Such scholarship demonstrates the inherent plurality of the Indian civilization, which established a continuum of orthodox and heterodox philosophical schools, Buddhist and Jain systems, Islamic scholarship, indigenous communities, and regional practices. In our analysis of 102 IKS-funded projects, nearly 50 percent of the projects were aimed at scientific validation across health-related sciences (19.61%), agriculture and sustainability (14.71%), and materials science, metallurgy, and heritage engineering (13.73%). These priorities are aligned with contemporary national and global research agendas, including One Health, preventive healthcare, climate resilience, and digital technologies.

As part of a larger clinical trial testing ivermectin mass drug administration (iMDA) in humans and pigs for malaria vector control in Mozambique, this study evaluates ivermectin’s effects on gastrointestinal nematode burden, daily weight gain and economic outcomes in treated pigs over five months. Ivermectin (1% solution) was administered monthly for 3 months to pigs in the iMDA intervention arm at 300 mcg/kg. Households in intervention and control arms provided monthly data on pig health, management and income. Pigs were randomly selected for longitudinal fecal sampling and body measurements to estimate average daily gain (ADG). Compared to controls, treated pigs exhibited a 10.1% reduction in prevalence of strongyle eggs (P = 0.004) and a 20.2% reduction in larvated strongyle eggs (P = 0.004). Reductions in eggs per gram were 36.1% for strongyles (P = 0.001), 33.0% for larvated strongyle eggs (P = 0.029) and 26.7% for Ascaris suum (P = 0.004). However, these reductions were modest and did not translate into significant improvements in ADG or other production outcomes. Ivermectin achieved <90% reduction in all nematodes in the fecal egg reduction count test, indicating reduced apparent efficacy under field conditions. Although this may suggest reduced drug efficacy, the epidemiological context, including high environmental contamination, scavenging behaviour and limited husbandry inputs, indicates that continuous reinfection and operational factors are plausible explanations. Overall, these results suggest that ivermectin delivered through iMDA can reduce parasite burden but is insufficient to improve pig productivity in high-transmission smallholder systems without complementary management and environmental interventions.

This article examines how the emerging framework of “Planetary Health” challenges us to reconsider the role and boundaries of global health law, for example by engaging with systems thinking, eco-centric perspectives, Indigenous knowledge, and newly emerging human rights. How does planetary health inspire novel thinking or new approaches around the conceptualization, design, implementation and/or interpretation of global health law and health-related rights, aiming to protect vital ecological foundations or determinants of health?

Pigeons and doves (Columbidae: Columbiformes) commonly inhabit urban and natural environments, where their close association with humans, domestic animals and wildlife facilitates environmental contamination and the transmission of parasitic infections. Despite their ecological and epidemiological importance, information on the diversity and prevalence of endoparasites in Algerian columbids remains scarce. This study investigated the endoparasite fauna of Columbidae in Algeria and assessed parasite prevalence, host associations and potential health implications. Between 2020 and 2023, 133 individuals representing 6 columbid species (Columba livia Gmelin, 1789, Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky, 1838), Streptopelia turtur (Linnaeus, 1758), Streptopelia senegalensis (Linnaeus, 1766), Streptopelia roseogrisea (Sundevall, 1857) and Streptopelia risoria (Linnaeus, 1758)) were sampled from North Algeria. Endoparasites were identified using direct faecal examination, flotation techniques and morphological identification of adult cestodes following borax carmine staining. Thirteen endoparasite taxa belonging to 3 phyla were identified, including 2 coccidians (Eimeria columbae and Eimeria spp.), 3 nematodes (Capillaria spp., Ascaridia spp. and Strongylus spp.), 1 trematode (Echinostoma spp.) and 7 cestodes (Raillietina echinobothrida, R. cesticillus, R. tetragona, Raillietina sp., Cotugnia digonopora, Hymenolepis spp. and Passerilepis zimbebel). Nematodes exhibited the highest prevalence, whereas cestodes represented the most diverse parasite group. Columba livia harboured the richest parasite assemblage among the examined hosts. Passerilepis zimbebel is reported for the second time in Algeria, expanding current knowledge of its distribution and host associations. These findings provide the first comprehensive overview of endoparasite diversity in Algerian Columbidae and establish an important baseline for avian parasitology, disease surveillance and One Health-oriented research in North Africa.

This mixed-methods study integrates quantitative parasitological surveys with qualitative knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) assessments to evaluate trematode transmission patterns and describe human behaviour relevant to transmission among communities in hydropower reservoir areas of northern Vietnam. A total of 798 participants provided fecal samples, and 135 heads of household were interviewed. Overall, 236 individuals (29.57%) were infected with at least 1 helminth group. Fish-borne zoonotic trematodes (opisthorchiid/heterophyid-type eggs) were the predominant parasite group (22.56%), followed by soil-transmitted nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma/Necator spp.) (7.14%), tapeworms (Taenia sp.) (0.63%) and pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) (0.13%). The prevalence and intensity of trematode infections were higher in men than in women. Infection levels were higher in older age groups, whereas infection in children (<16 years) was low. Marked spatial heterogeneity was observed among reservoirs. KAP surveys revealed limited understanding of trematode transmission routes, despite prior health education efforts. A pervasive misconception was that wild-caught fish or home-raised animals are safe to consume raw. Sanitation remained inadequate, and 73.33% of interviewees reported treating sick animals without veterinary consultation. Regular anthelmintic use was rare, with only 10.37% of interviewees reporting that they dewormed themselves twice per year, as recommended. These findings suggest hydropower reservoir regions in northern Vietnam may represent potential hotspots for food-borne trematode transmission. The observed patterns may indicate ongoing transmission, with ecological conditions and cultural practices as possible contributing factors. Targeted One Health–based interventions integrating human, animal and environmental health are recommended.

Between 2023 and 2025, four outbreaks of zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum infection involving 39 laboratory-confirmed cases occurred at a single animal-contact visitor attraction in South West England. A retrospective outbreak investigation, incorporating elements of a descriptive case series, was undertaken to identify factors associated with repeated transmission and to draw insights for infection prevention and control. The study integrated epidemiological, veterinary, environmental, and molecular data, including exposure questionnaires, animal faecal testing, environmental sampling, observational assessments, and genotyping of human and animal isolates. Zoonotic gp60 subtype IIaA15G2R1 predominated across outbreaks. In the fourth outbreak, identical gp60 subtypes and shared multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis alleles in lamb and human samples supported zoonotic transmission. Environmental sampling identified faecal indicator organisms and Shiga toxin-producing E.coli on high-touch surfaces. An observational assessment identified frequent opportunities for faecal–oral exposure during close contact with young ruminants. Despite compliance with industry standards, persistent environmental contamination, in-pen contact, and child behavioural factors were identified as plausible contributors to transmission. These findings highlight the challenges of preventing zoonotic infection in this setting and support refinement of existing guidance.

The development and implementation of diagnostic tools for the detection of Schistosoma in freshwater snail vectors were added to the World Health Organization’s guidelines on the control and elimination of human schistosomiasis in 2022. However, there are few documented examples of their application in schistosomiasis elimination settings. The current study validated a high-throughput polymerase chain reaction–based diagnostic protocol for the detection of Schistosoma haematobium (causing urogenital schistosomiasis) and S. bovis (causing bovine schistosomiasis) DNA in Bulinus spp. in the elimination setting of Pemba (Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania). Bulinus were collected and screened for patent schistosome infections across 4 malacological surveys (2017–2018) from 52 human–freshwater contact sites (i.e. freshwater bodies) located in 8 shehias (small administrative regions). Shehias varied from high (persisting) to low (declining) human urogenital schistosomiasis prevalence. Of the 9430 Bulinus spp. screened for patent schistosome infections using the standard parasitological shedding method, 0.11% (10/9430) S. haematobium and 0.02% (2/9430) S. bovis patent infections were observed. Using the molecular diagnostic, of the 5465 snails screened, 2.73% (149/5465) S. haematobium and 0.24% (13/5465) S. bovis DNA-positive snails were identified. Xenomonitoring detected >12× more S. haematobium presence in Bulinus spp. than conventional shedding methods, demonstrating a higher sensitivity for identifying parasite presence. Xenomonitoring positives suggest that S. bovis transmission occurs in several focal areas in Pemba, with a wider distribution than previously thought. Identification of human and bovine schistosome DNA in both low and high prevalence settings shows the feasibility of using xenomonitoring assays for transmission/elimination surveillance.

In 2010, intestinal schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni infection, was first confirmed within semi-captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) on Ngamba Island, Lake Victoria. Since then, and despite repeated praziquantel treatments, there is ongoing evidence of reinfection. Conducting a comprehensive contemporary appraisal, we implemented a multi-modal diagnostic approach combining coprological, urine antigen-based and semi-invasive parasitological assays, augmented by standardized hepatic ultrasonography. We reassessed 49 chimpanzees to reveal persistent infections (urine-antigen prevalence was 36.7% although fecal egg-patency was 4.1%), often with progressive schistosomiasis-associated hepatic morbidity, noting overt pipe-stem fibrosis in certain animals. Molecular DNA analyses of retrieved schistosome eggs and larvae confirmed the presence of S. mansoni alone. Sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 provided a snapshot of current schistosome genetic diversity. Three previously identified haplotypes were recovered alongside 2 additional haplotypes newly detected locally. These latter haplotypes, likely having a Kenyan ancestry, were suspected to have been introduced recently. We draw attention to the limitations of chemotherapy-only control and highlight future needs to gain better environmental control within this lakeshore sanctuary setting.

On 4 December 2023, trichinellosis cases were notified in Jahliyeh, Mount Lebanon. We investigated to determine the source, magnitude, and control measures. We defined a suspected case as a Jahliyeh resident with ≥1 compatible symptom diagnosed by a physician after 1 October 2023; a probable case as having ≥3 typical symptoms (fever, myalgia, edema, or eosinophilia); and a confirmed case as a suspected or probable case with laboratory confirmation by muscle biopsy or serology. We surveyed reachable households (252/561) to identify cases and assess meat consumption practices, inspected local butcheries, and tested meat samples. We identified 290 cases: 268 (92%) suspected, 21 (7.2%) probable, and 1 (0.3%) confirmed. Median age was 35 years (range 2–85); 34% required hospitalization. Illness was associated with Butchery A meat (risk ratio [RR] = 8.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.6–12.1) and uncooked meat (RR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4–2.6), while freezing and cooking were protective. Food inspection revealed major hygiene breaches at Butchery A and Trichinella larvae in minced beef and sausage. This outbreak was epidemiologically confirmed despite limited laboratory confirmation in humans. We recommend strengthening food safety inspections, intersectoral One Health collaboration, laboratory capacity, and public awareness of safe meat preparation.

Parasitic helminths are a major constraint on livestock production worldwide, with significant implications for food security and animal and human health. As reliance on conventional anthelmintic drugs becomes increasingly unsustainable due to widespread anthelmintic resistance, chemical residues, and environmental concerns, there is an urgent need for innovative, biologically derived alternatives such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This review evaluates PUFAs as biologically derived agents that could complement or partially replace conventional dewormers. We integrate molecular, cellular, and in vivo evidence showing that PUFAs exert dual actions: (i) direct effects on parasites, including membrane destabilization, redox dysregulation, and metabolic interference, and (ii) host-directed effects via immune modulation, resolution of inflammation, and tissue repair mediated by specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators. We examine dietary and feed-based sources, discuss the limitations of bioavailability and oxidative stability, and review emerging delivery technologies and bioengineering solutions. Framed within One Health, PUFA-based strategies could reduce chemical inputs, lower residues in food and the environment, and enhance resilience in production systems. Curren barriers include dosage optimization, understanding pharmacokinetics and mechanisms of actions, and generating robust field data. Overall, PUFA-based strategies represent a promising frontier in sustainable parasitology, offering a holistic approach to managing parasitic diseases across species and ecosystems.

Initiatives protecting wild animal health, including vaccination campaigns, medical treatments, and parasite control programs, have been implemented for decades. Their goal has been to safeguard human well-being, as well as to further conservationist goals. This paper argues that the well-being of wild animals, considered as sentient individuals, should be another crucial reason to expand these measures. Rather than treating animal health in a purely instrumental manner, this perspective aligns more closely with the ethos of the One Health paradigm. The paper presents examples of existing programs that benefit wild animals and could be broadened based on this idea. Next, it explains the kind of cross-disciplinary research framework—integrating animal welfare science, ecology, and other disciplines—needed to successfully develop effective ways to help wild animals. It then argues that the reasons to protect wild animal health also apply in the case of other ways to help wild animals. This is relevant especially in light of the very large scale of wild animal suffering.

In December 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Assembly (WHA) authorised the creation of an intergovernmental negotiating body (INB) to draft and finalise a new international treaty to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPPR). Early in the negotiations, a loosely formed coalition of World Health Organization (WHO) Member States formed the ‘Group of Friends of One Health’ to promote the integration of One Health as a core guiding principle. The concept of One Health, which emphasises how human, animal and environmental health are closely intertwined and interdependent, proved contentious during the negotiations because of concerns that it might lead to new obligations which low- and middle-income countries would struggle to fulfil. In April 2025, the INB concluded its work and the following month the 78th WHA adopted the Pandemic Agreement under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. This article considers the significance of the Pandemic Agreement’s inclusion of the One Health approach to PPPR and the subsequent legal and practical implications for States Parties. The central claim of the article is that while the Pandemic Agreement ultimately encourages a One Health approach, the various caveats and qualifications inserted during the intergovernmental negotiations permit those governments that want to circumvent their obligations to do so, at least until and unless moral and political pressure is brought to bear during the Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings. The article’s findings have implications for future treaty negotiations given the importance of COP mechanisms for encouraging compliance.

The 2022 and 2025 floods in Pakistan forced more than 33 million people to flee from their homes, destroyed medical facilities across a large portion of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan, and revealed major deficiencies in government management, healthcare systems, environmental protection, and climate preparedness. Pakistan emits <1% of worldwide greenhouse gases, yet remains among the most climate-sensitive nations, reflecting global inequities in climate impact. Floods destroyed basic health determinants, thus contributing to infectious disease epidemics, malnutrition, and mental health problems. To evaluate the short- and long-term flood impacts, this article applies the Disaster Management Cycle, along with the One Health, Planetary Health, and Doughnut Economy frameworks. The framework demonstrates the impact of floods on the health and healthcare system while simultaneously eroding the ecosystem and making the population more susceptible. The article identifies priorities for climate-adaptive health care infrastructure, environmental recovery, equity-centered disaster preparedness, and integration of One Health principles into medical education.

Although there are public expectations regarding improvements to farm animal welfare, farmers’ well-being remains largely overlooked. This is particularly concerning given the high prevalence of physical and mental health issues among farming populations. As key stakeholders in the implementation of animal welfare practices, farmers play an essential role in welfare outcomes. Improving animal welfare may require addressing farmers’ own well-being. To support this hypothesis, it is necessary to examine the relationship between farmers’ well-being and the welfare of their animals. This scoping review aimed to: (1) map the methods used to describe relationships between farmer well-being and animal welfare in primary research; and (2) compile pieces of evidence of such relationships. Following the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews, the same search was carried out on three databases (Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE, CABI digital library). Twenty-two articles from the 10,189 retrieved met the inclusion criteria. Results underscored the need to standardise methods to enable cross-study comparisons, as different questionnaires were used to assess the same construct (e.g. four for psychological stress), and none of the animal welfare indicators were fully comparable. Moreover, 94 pieces of evidence regarding the relationships between farmer well-being and the welfare of their animals were compiled. Ninety-three pieces described positive associations where improved farmer well-being was associated with improved welfare of their animals, and vice versa. This result suggests that welfare improvement strategies on farms should address not only animal welfare, but also farmer well-being. The results therefore support a One Welfare approach on commercial farms.

The global use of antimicrobial chemicals drastically increased during and after the COVID-19 pandemic owing to heightened awareness of personal and surface hygiene needs. Disinfectants, especially chlorine-based disinfectants (CBDs), were extensively used for surface and equipment decontamination in the domestic, industrial, veterinary and healthcare sectors during the heights of the pandemic. The increased use of disinfectants has resulted in their increased discharge into municipal wastewater systems and surface waters. Our Perspective article considers the One Health challenges associated with the increased discharge of disinfectants into wastewater. One Health is a collaborative approach that ensures the well-being of people, animals and the environment. Wastewater is a common endpoint to the many interactions between people, animals and their environment. The potential One Health challenges and knowledge gaps associated with the constant discharge of low but sublethal concentrations of CBDs into wastewater are discussed. The data gaps point to the risks associated with the unregulated use of CBDs and need for their judicial use.

This study assesses the seroprevalence of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in ruminants in Dhobley, Somalia, following a 2021 outbreak in Kenya. Among 142 ruminants sampled, 4.9% were seropositive for RVF virus (RVFV) antibody, with IgM antibodies (1.4%) indicating recent exposure, though no cases were RT-PCR-positive. Unregulated livestock movement and limited surveillance pose significant risks for future outbreaks, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance systems and One Health strategies.