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Launched in 2016 by the One Health Commission, One Health Initiative and One Health Platform Foundation One Health Day promotes an integrated approach in solving critical animal, human and ecological health challenges that cross professional and geographic boundaries. It encourages experts in agriculture, human and veterinary medicine, public health and environmental science to share knowledge and work toward common solutions.

In Maryland, these partnerships help protect residents, strengthen the food supply and safeguard natural resources. Farmers, veterinarians, health care providers, environmental specialists, researchers, educators and conservation professionals and many others each bring expertise to protect the well-being of our residents, communities, livestock, pets and the environment around us.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture puts this approach into practice through animal disease prevention and response, mosquito and pest management, and conservation programs that support healthy soil and clean water. Working alongside producers and partner agencies, MDA helps protect our livestock, pets, farms and food while addressing risks that can also affect people and the environment.

“The Maryland Department of Agriculture sits at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “One Health Day reminds us that caring for our people, animals and environment is a responsibility we all share.”

The Maryland Department of Health supports the One Health approach on multiple fronts, including tracking and managing vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, such as Lyme disease, rabies, West Nile virus and avian influenza, and collaborating with state and local partners on public health advisories and outbreak responses.

“Protecting and advancing the health of Marylanders means recognizing that our well-being is deeply connected to the animals and environment around us,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “Working with our partners in agriculture and other sectors across the state, we are strengthening our communities and safeguarding our shared future.”

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