Research Article

Texas professionals are employing a one health approach to protect the United States against biosecurity threats

Authors

Matthew M. Dacso, Dennis A. Bente, Scott C. Weaver, Gary P. Kobinger, Peter C. Melby, Susan L.F. McLellan, Philip H. Keiser, Sarah A. Hamer, Gabriel L. Hamer, Gerald W. Parker, David I. Douphrate, Anabel Rodriguez, Michael L. Goodman, Ara, and Gregory C. Gray

Citation

Dacso MM, Bente DA, Weaver SC, Kobinger GP, Melby PC, McLellan SLF, Keiser PH, Hamer SA, Hamer GL, Parker GW Jr, Douphrate DI, Rodriguez A, Goodman ML, Ara, Gray GC. Texas professionals are employing a one health approach to protect the United States against biosecurity threats. One Health. 2022 Aug 31;15:100431. doi: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100431. PMID: 36277085; PMCID: PMC9582559.

Publication Date

December 1, 2022

Publication Year

2022

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Abstract

Texas is a geographically large state with large human and livestock populations, many farms, a long coastal region, and extreme fluctuations in weather. During the last 15 years, the state of Texas has frequently suffered disasters or catastrophes causing extensive morbidity and economic loss. These disasters often have complicated consequences requiring multi-faceted responses. Recently, an interdisciplinary network of professionals from multiple academic institutions has emerged to collaborate in protecting Texas and the USA using a One Health approach. These experts are training the next generation of scientists in biopreparedness; increasing understanding of pathogens that cause repetitive harm; developing new therapeutics and vaccines against them; and developing novel surveillance approaches so that emerging pathogens will be detected early and thwarted before they can cause disastrous human and economic losses. These academic One Health partnerships strengthen our ability to protect human and animal health against future catastrophes that may impact the diverse ecoregions of Texas and the world.