Editorial
The media attention and the research funding for infectious diseases, both emerging and re-emerging, have increased significantly over the last 8 years. These occurrences have numerous reasons. Most importantly, it is an exciting time for those of us who have trained and have a keen interest in understanding the complexity of the emergence, transmission, dissemination and persistence of these diseases. A majority of the emerging diseases (up to 75%) are considered zoonotic, that is, diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. This provides an incredible opportunity for professionals such as veterinarians who are trained in zoonotic diseases. The number of new diseases, as well as previous diseases that are re-emerging, may continue as the interface between humans, animals and a common environment narrows, and interactions increase. Fears of bioterrorism and bioterrorist agents have also contributed to the interest in zoonotic diseases. Solutions to the control, mitigation or prevention of zoonotic diseases will take a network of varied scientific disciplines and expert professionals working collaboratively. In 1984, Dr Calvin Schwabe described the concept of ‘one medicine’. ‘One medicine’ conveys the message that veterinary medicine can contribute to human health. Those of us who work in public health, veterinary medicine, human or animal health have taken to heart this challenge and have championed this idea. Yet, in our quiet and fractured roles, we have not really succeeded in that mission, and I find it interesting that this concept has been again resurrected by others. To succeed, we need more visibility, more collective action and a common theme, or branding statement.
What will make this journal distinctive? Zoonoses are broadly covered in multiple journals. Some journals emphasize the human perspective or animal models for human disease, and some provide a perspective of the animal disease or environment. The focus is often in a particular scientific discipline, like microbiology or virology, or in basic versus applied research. These approaches are needed. But we also need a journal to promote and present an integrated research approach in order to study, understand, prevent and control zoonoses. This journal will focus and promote collaborative, multi-disciplinary and global research and discussions on zoonotic diseases. This journal will bring together veterinary and human health researchers and policy-makers by providing a medium for the integrative and global approaches to zoonoses and public health.
Finally, this journal will provide a forum to bring together professionals such as veterinarians and physicians and scientists such as microbiologists, virologists, parasitologists and epidemiologists in order to better understand the interactions and roles of animals, humans and the environment in the emergence, persistence, transmission and control of zoonoses.
With this journal's concepts in mind, I have been fortunate to find Associate Editors and an Editorial Board that reflect our goals for this journal and the spirit of ‘one medicine’. They reflect the diversity of the field, in expertise as well as focus and experience, and also reflect the spirit of this journal. The international participants of the editorial board indicate our global commitment to zoonoses and public health. I welcome my Associate Editors and respect their scientific achievements. Each, by their research pursuits and experiences, exemplifies what this journal aspires to become. Dr Tarr, a renowned pediatric gastroenterologist, has contributed research that has changed our understanding and treatment of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 in children and as a foodborne illness. Dr Isaacson, a well-respected microbiologist, has made major contributions to our understanding of Salmonella spp. and in food safety. Dr Osterrieder, an outstanding virologist both in Germany and in the USA, has conducted research in herpes in animals and humans. He has graciously agreed to remain on the editorial board from the previous journal, and has already helped tremendously. Dr Feldman, as a veterinarian with an MPH, has been involved in outbreaks and research of zoonotic diseases. As a professional at a state health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she has provided major contributions to the applied world of public health.
This journal provides us a visible and active platform to make the concept of ‘one medicine’ a tangible representation. This journal will provide a unique integrative forum of experts to explore the interactions of humans, animals and organisms in an evolving environment. As with any new journal, it will take time to shape zoonoses and public health to reflect the leading research by our network of professionals and scientists. But the success of this journal and its impact on all fields will be determined by the researchers and professionals that submit manuscripts. I hope that you will join us in this new and exciting journey.
