University of Tennessee One Health Initiative

Uniting disciplines to protect and promote the health of all life on Earth.


Humans, animals, plants, and the environment are inextricably linked, with the health of one affecting the health of all.

The One Health concept recognizes that health issues must be addressed cohesively instead of independently. This convergence approach is essential when considering that approximately 70 percent of emerging infectious disease cases in humans and livestock are a consequence of spillover events from wildlife. Similarly, humans play a role in animal disease emergence by facilitating global transfer of infectious agents, altering landscape conditions, and adding environmental disturbances. Losses due to plant diseases can reduce global agricultural productivity by up to 40 percent for the five major food crops, thus undermining our ability to safeguard national and global food security.

In response, state, national, and international governmental agencies have initiated programs directed at developing One Health solutions to address the rapidly emerging national and global health challenges that we face.

A collage of One Health issues, including medicine, livestock, plants, and humans.

Spooky Science: A One Health Day Celebration

You’re invited to Spooky Science this Halloween, a One Health Day celebration! Spooky Science will take place October 31 from 1:00 – 4:00pm in the Student Union and features bone-chilling research from UT faculty, door prizes, treats, and more. From decomposing bodies to vampire bats to the dark side of chocolate, this event will send shivers down your spine!

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OHI News
Dr. Deb Miller, OHI Director
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