Climate Change and the Rising Risk of Zoonotic Diseases: A One Health Approach

Vibha Singh1, Haris Ayoub1*, Akash Balasaheb Mote1, Sanjumon E S1, Aaliya Fayaz2, Anuradha Panwar3, Aakir Ahmad Kutay4, Amitava Paul51Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India2Division of Livestock Production and Management, FVSc & AH, SKUAST, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India3Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India4Division of Animal Nutrition, FVSc & AH, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, R.S. Pura, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India5 Department of Veterinary Pathology, CAU, Aizwal, Mizoram, IndiaCorresponding author: Haris Ayoub* harisayoub018@gmail.comdoi.org/10.5281/IndianVetMagazine.23323058

Abstract

Climate change is altering environmental and ecological conditions that influence the transmission of infectious diseases, including zoonoses shared between animals and humans. Changes in temperature, rainfall, humidity and extreme weather events can affect disease vectors, wildlife movement, pathogen circulation and human exposure. In India, climatesensitive diseases such as Japanese encephalitis, scrub typhus, Kyasanur Forest disease, leptospirosis, Nipah virus infection and avian influenza highlight the importance of understanding interactions among climate, ecosystems, animals and human activities. However, climate change is not the sole cause of outbreaks, and disease responses vary according to pathogen characteristics, ecological conditions and socioeconomic factors. Integrating climate information with veterinary, wildlife and public-health surveillance can strengthen seasonal risk assessment and early-warning systems. The One Health approach provides a coordinated framework for improving disease detection through intersectoral collaboration, laboratory networks, genomic surveillance and community engagement. Strengthening these systems, alongside sustainable land-use practices and ecosystem conservation, can improve preparedness for emerging zoonotic threats and help protect vulnerable communities.