Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions

Kinfe Kibebew; Jemal Dube

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions

Kinfe Kibebew^*

, Jemal Dube

Published in American Journal of Zoology (Volume 8, Issue 1)

Received: 7 April 2025 Accepted: 18 April 2025 Published: 19 May 2025

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of shifts in zoonotic disease transmission dynamics. These diseases, which are transmitted between animals and humans, pose a serious threat to global health, economies, and food security. This paper aims to review the impact of climate change on the transmission of zoonotic diseases and explore the significance of the One Health approach in mitigating associated risks. Rising global temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events are altering ecosystems and the behavior, distribution, and interactions of both animal hosts and pathogens. These environmental changes influence the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases in various regions. The One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health disciplines, is increasingly seen as essential for addressing the complex interconnections among these sectors. This approach promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, timely surveillance, early detection, and effective response to outbreaks. It also helps identify high-risk areas and practices, improving preparedness and resilience to climate-related health threats. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of how climate change affects zoonotic disease transmission and highlights the need for integrated research and coordinated action. Challenges such as limited data, weak health systems, and lack of awareness are discussed alongside opportunities for innovation and cross-sectoral partnerships. The paper concludes with policy recommendations designed to enhance One Health interventions in response to climate-related health risks, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation, resource mobilization, and sustainable solutions in a rapidly changing world.

Published in	American Journal of Zoology (Volume 8, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11
Page(s)	1-9
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Climate, Zoonotic, Disease, Transmission, Importance, One Health, Interventions, Strategies

References

[1]	Atlas, R. M., Maloy, S., & Martinez, R. J. (2010). One Health: People, Animals, and the Environment. ASM Press.
[2]	Bellard, C., Bertelsmeier, C., Leadley, P., Thuiller, W., & Courchamp, F. (2012). Impacts of climate change on the future of biodiversity. Ecology Letters, 15(4), 365-377.
[3]	Cleaveland, S., Sharp, J., Abela-Ridder, B., Allan, K. J., Buza, J., Crump, J. A., & Hampson, K. (2017). One Health contributions towards more effective and equitable approaches to health in low- and middle-income countries. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 372(1725), 20160168.
[4]	Daszak, P., Cunningham, A. A., & Hyatt, A. D. (2000). Emerging infectious diseases of wildlife—threats to biodiversity and human health. Science, 287(5452), 443-449.
[5]	Davlin, S. L., & Lapiz, S. M. (2014). Successes and Challenges of a Rabies Elimination Program in the Philippines: The Bohol Rabies Prevention and Elimination Project. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 8(12): e3310. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0003310
[6]	Denton, F., Mertz, O., Nkonya, E., Thomas, R. J., & Verchot, L. V. (2020). A community-based approach to mitigating zoonotic diseases. Journal of Global Health, 10(2), 015009.
[7]	Destoumieux-Garzón, D., Mavingui, P., Boetsch, G., Boissier, J., Darriet, F., Duboz, P.,... & Voituron, Y. (2018). The One Health Concept: 10 Years Old and a Long Road Ahead. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5, 14.
[8]	FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization, (2013). Challenges of animal health information systems and surveillance for animal diseases and zoonoses. FAO Animal Production and Health Proceedings.
[9]	Grace, D., Mutua, F., Ochungo, P., Kruska, R., Jones, K., Brierley, L.,... & Pfeiffer, D. (2012). Mapping of poverty and likely zoonoses hotspots. ILRI.
[10]	Hasan, B., (2021). Implementation of the One Health approach in Bangladesh: Challenges and opportunities. One Health, 12, 100219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100219
[11]	Jones, K. E., Patel, N. G., Levy, M. A., Storeygard, A., Balk, D., Gittleman, J. L., & Daszak, P. (2008). Global trends in emerging infectious diseases. Nature, 451(7181), 990-993.
[12]	Kahn, L. H. (2017). One Health and the Global Governance of Zoonotic Disease. Annual Review of Public Health, 38, 13-29.
[13]	Mackenzie, J. S., & Jeggo, M. (2019). The One Health approach—Why is it so important? Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 4(2), 88.
[14]	Mazet, J. A. K., Clifford, D. L., Coppolillo, P. B., Deolalikar, A. B., Erickson, J. D., & Kazwala, R. R. (2009). A “One Health” approach to address emerging zoonoses: The HALI project in Tanzania. PLoS Medicine, 6(12), e1000190. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42522-019-0004-2
[15]	McDonald, R. I., Weber, K. F., Padowski, J., Boucher, T. M., Shemie, D., & Forest, S. M. (2019). The role of One Health in addressing climate change. EcoHealth, 16(3), 349-358.
[16]	Munyua, P., (2019). Successes and challenges of the One Health approach in Kenya over the last decade. BMC Public Health, 19(Suppl 3), 465. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-6772-7
[17]	Okello, A. L., Bardosh, K., Smith, J., & Welburn, S. C. (2015). One Health: Past successes and future challenges in three African contexts. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 9(5), e0003898.
[18]	Patz, J. A., Campbell-Lendrum, D., Holloway, T., & Foley, J. A. (2005). Impact of regional climate change on human health. Nature, 438(7066), 310-317.
[19]	Rappole, J. H., Derrickson, S. R., & Hubálek, Z. (2010). Global change and wildlife disease: The effects of climate change on zoonotic diseases. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 201(2), 243-251.
[20]	Rüegg, S. R., Nielsen, L. R., Buttigieg, S. C., Santa, M., Aragrande, M., Canali, M.,... & Häsler, B. (2018). A systems approach to evaluate One Health initiatives. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5, 23.
[21]	Rwanda Biomedical Centre, RBC, (2019). Rwanda One Health Strategic Plan (2019-2023). Available from: https://www.rbc.gov.rw
[22]	World Health Organization (WHO). (2014). Ebola Virus Disease. World Health Organization Fact Sheet.
[23]	Zinsstag, J., Schelling, E., Waltner-Toews, D., & Tanner, M. (2011). From “one medicine” to “One Health” and systemic approaches to health and well-being. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 101(3-4), 148-156.
[24]	Zinsstag, J., Schelling, E., Waltner-Toews, D., & Tanner, M. (2011). One Health: The theory and practice of integrated health approaches. Science, 334(6061), 184-188.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Kibebew, K., Dube, J. (2025). Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions. American Journal of Zoology, 8(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Kibebew, K.; Dube, J. Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions. Am. J. Zool. 2025, 8(1), 1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Kibebew K, Dube J. Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions. Am J Zool. 2025;8(1):1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11,
  author = {Kinfe Kibebew and Jemal Dube},
  title = {Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions
},
  journal = {American Journal of Zoology},
  volume = {8},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-9},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajz.20250801.11},
  abstract = {Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of shifts in zoonotic disease transmission dynamics. These diseases, which are transmitted between animals and humans, pose a serious threat to global health, economies, and food security. This paper aims to review the impact of climate change on the transmission of zoonotic diseases and explore the significance of the One Health approach in mitigating associated risks. Rising global temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events are altering ecosystems and the behavior, distribution, and interactions of both animal hosts and pathogens. These environmental changes influence the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases in various regions. The One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health disciplines, is increasingly seen as essential for addressing the complex interconnections among these sectors. This approach promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, timely surveillance, early detection, and effective response to outbreaks. It also helps identify high-risk areas and practices, improving preparedness and resilience to climate-related health threats. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of how climate change affects zoonotic disease transmission and highlights the need for integrated research and coordinated action. Challenges such as limited data, weak health systems, and lack of awareness are discussed alongside opportunities for innovation and cross-sectoral partnerships. The paper concludes with policy recommendations designed to enhance One Health interventions in response to climate-related health risks, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation, resource mobilization, and sustainable solutions in a rapidly changing world.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions

AU  - Kinfe Kibebew
AU  - Jemal Dube
Y1  - 2025/05/19
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11
T2  - American Journal of Zoology
JF  - American Journal of Zoology
JO  - American Journal of Zoology
SP  - 1
EP  - 9
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-7413
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11
AB  - Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of shifts in zoonotic disease transmission dynamics. These diseases, which are transmitted between animals and humans, pose a serious threat to global health, economies, and food security. This paper aims to review the impact of climate change on the transmission of zoonotic diseases and explore the significance of the One Health approach in mitigating associated risks. Rising global temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events are altering ecosystems and the behavior, distribution, and interactions of both animal hosts and pathogens. These environmental changes influence the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases in various regions. The One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health disciplines, is increasingly seen as essential for addressing the complex interconnections among these sectors. This approach promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, timely surveillance, early detection, and effective response to outbreaks. It also helps identify high-risk areas and practices, improving preparedness and resilience to climate-related health threats. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of how climate change affects zoonotic disease transmission and highlights the need for integrated research and coordinated action. Challenges such as limited data, weak health systems, and lack of awareness are discussed alongside opportunities for innovation and cross-sectoral partnerships. The paper concludes with policy recommendations designed to enhance One Health interventions in response to climate-related health risks, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation, resource mobilization, and sustainable solutions in a rapidly changing world.

VL  - 8
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Kinfe Kibebew

Department of Animal Health, Agriculture Office, Shashemene District, West Arsi, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-2449-0427
Jemal Dube

Department of Animal Health, Agriculture Office, Shashemene District, West Arsi, Ethiopia

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Kibebew, K., Dube, J. (2025). Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions. American Journal of Zoology, 8(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Kibebew, K.; Dube, J. Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions. Am. J. Zool. 2025, 8(1), 1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Kibebew K, Dube J. Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions. Am J Zool. 2025;8(1):1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11,
  author = {Kinfe Kibebew and Jemal Dube},
  title = {Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions
},
  journal = {American Journal of Zoology},
  volume = {8},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-9},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajz.20250801.11},
  abstract = {Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of shifts in zoonotic disease transmission dynamics. These diseases, which are transmitted between animals and humans, pose a serious threat to global health, economies, and food security. This paper aims to review the impact of climate change on the transmission of zoonotic diseases and explore the significance of the One Health approach in mitigating associated risks. Rising global temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events are altering ecosystems and the behavior, distribution, and interactions of both animal hosts and pathogens. These environmental changes influence the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases in various regions. The One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health disciplines, is increasingly seen as essential for addressing the complex interconnections among these sectors. This approach promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, timely surveillance, early detection, and effective response to outbreaks. It also helps identify high-risk areas and practices, improving preparedness and resilience to climate-related health threats. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of how climate change affects zoonotic disease transmission and highlights the need for integrated research and coordinated action. Challenges such as limited data, weak health systems, and lack of awareness are discussed alongside opportunities for innovation and cross-sectoral partnerships. The paper concludes with policy recommendations designed to enhance One Health interventions in response to climate-related health risks, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation, resource mobilization, and sustainable solutions in a rapidly changing world.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Review of Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoonotic Disease Transmission: The Need for One Health Interventions

AU  - Kinfe Kibebew
AU  - Jemal Dube
Y1  - 2025/05/19
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11
T2  - American Journal of Zoology
JF  - American Journal of Zoology
JO  - American Journal of Zoology
SP  - 1
EP  - 9
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-7413
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20250801.11
AB  - Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of shifts in zoonotic disease transmission dynamics. These diseases, which are transmitted between animals and humans, pose a serious threat to global health, economies, and food security. This paper aims to review the impact of climate change on the transmission of zoonotic diseases and explore the significance of the One Health approach in mitigating associated risks. Rising global temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events are altering ecosystems and the behavior, distribution, and interactions of both animal hosts and pathogens. These environmental changes influence the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases in various regions. The One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health disciplines, is increasingly seen as essential for addressing the complex interconnections among these sectors. This approach promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, timely surveillance, early detection, and effective response to outbreaks. It also helps identify high-risk areas and practices, improving preparedness and resilience to climate-related health threats. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of how climate change affects zoonotic disease transmission and highlights the need for integrated research and coordinated action. Challenges such as limited data, weak health systems, and lack of awareness are discussed alongside opportunities for innovation and cross-sectoral partnerships. The paper concludes with policy recommendations designed to enhance One Health interventions in response to climate-related health risks, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation, resource mobilization, and sustainable solutions in a rapidly changing world.

VL  - 8
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download