The term “One Health” may sound abstract at first, but it stands for an idea that is becoming increasingly important – also in Germany. It is about considering the health of people, animals and the environment as a whole.

What is One Health?

“One Health” is best translated as “One Health”. The basic idea is simple: human health is closely linked to the health of animals and the environment. For example, if animals become ill, this can also endanger humans – think of diseases such as bird flu or salmonella, which can be transmitted from animals to humans. The environment also influences human and animal health, for example through polluted water or climate change. One Health says: “We cannot look at these areas separately. Instead, doctors, vets, environmental researchers and other experts need to work together to solve problems and protect health holistically.

This approach is becoming increasingly important in Germany because we live in a world in which everything is more interconnected. Antibiotic resistance, new viruses and environmental pollution show that health problems often arise on several fronts at the same time. One Health is therefore a call to think outside the box and act together.

Why is One Health important for laboratory medicine?

Laboratory medicine plays a key role in the One Health concept, as it provides the data we need to understand correlations and find solutions. In Germany, this means that laboratories not only examine blood samples from humans, but also samples from animals or the environment in order to identify health risks at an early stage. Imagine a new bacterium appears in farm animals. Laboratory medicine can identify it, test whether it is resistant to antibiotics and check whether it is transmissible to humans. This allows doctors and authorities to react quickly before an epidemic occurs.

One example is the monitoring of zoonoses, i.e. diseases that pass back and forth between animals and humans. In German laboratories, samples from sick animals – such as poultry or pigs – are analyzed to find viruses such as H5N1 (bird flu) or bacteria such as MRSA. At the same time, laboratories examine human samples to see whether such pathogens have already spread. This double analysis is typical of One Health and helps to prevent outbreaks.

The environment also comes into play. Laboratories in Germany test water samples from rivers or soil for pollutants such as heavy metals or pesticides that can make animals and humans ill. If, for example, fish die in a river due to toxins, laboratory medicine can find out whether the water is also dangerous for humans – for example when bathing or drinking. In this way, it protects health at all levels.

How does this work in practice?

State-of-the-art techniques are used in laboratory medicine for this purpose. For example, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is used to find tiny amounts of pathogen DNA in samples – whether from humans, animals or water. In Germany, laboratories often work with standardized procedures that are internationally recognized so that the results are comparable. Another tool is mass spectrometry, which can be used to precisely identify bacteria or pollutants.

Cooperation is crucial here. Laboratories exchange data with veterinary laboratories, environmental authorities and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), which plays a central role in health monitoring in Germany. For example, if a new virus is discovered, One Health enables researchers to quickly check where it comes from – such as wild animals, pets or a changed environment – and how it spreads.

What are the benefits of One Health for Germany?

The approach has concrete advantages. It helps to detect diseases early before they spread, thus saving costs in the healthcare system. It also promotes the intelligent use of antibiotics, as resistant germs are a problem that affects humans and animals alike. This is particularly important in Germany, where agriculture and densely populated areas are close together. One Health therefore not only protects health, but also the economy and nature.

Conclusion

One Health is more than just a buzzword – it is an approach that shows how everything is connected: Humans, animals and the environment. In Germany, laboratory medicine uses its expertise to make these connections visible and combat health risks. With modern analyses and teamwork, it ensures that we not only treat diseases, but in the best case prevent them. In this way, One Health helps us all – whether we have two legs or four – to live healthier lives.

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Gender note. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple references and gendered designations are avoided for the sake of better readability ected.