UConn Extension Hosts Farm Biosecurity Workshop to Help Protect Livestock, Poultry, and Families Biosecurity is the first line of defense in protecting farms, animals, and communities from the spread of disease. With concerns over avian influenza and other livestock health risks on the rise, UConn Extension is hosting a Farm Biosecurity Workshop to provide practical […]
One Health
What is One Health?
One Health is a collaborative, integrative approach that recognizes the interconnectedness between humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Living beings are closely connected to their natural surroundings. Recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental systems can help us promote healthier communities and ecosystems, sustainable use of resources, and a more resilient world. Therefore, those who utilize One Health seek to apply a systems perspective to encourage positive change. This fact sheet is for residents, business owners, municipalities, agricultural producers, and other community members interested in learning how the One Health approach can optimize collective health.
Developing a Biosecurity Plan for Your Livestock or Poultry Operation
A biosecurity plan is a proactive protocol for maintaining the health of animals and people that interact with production or hobby enterprises. The goal of biosecurity is to prevent the introduction and spread of disease-causing pathogens within and between groups of animals and humans. The factsheet integrates a ‘One Health’ approach and is intended for use by livestock operation managers, hobbyists, and others that work closely with poultry and livestock species. The best practices included in this resource may apply to any of the following: chickens, ducks, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and other domestic livestock.
Lifecycle of Single Use Plastics
The number of single-use plastics that have been produced has increased alarmingly in recent years, with dire effects for wildlife, ecosystems, and human health everywhere. The cycle of plastics includes manufacturing, use, and disposal of these practical yet environmentally hazardous materials. This fact sheet attempts to educate the public on the harmful consequences of single-use plastics and the pressing need for change. and is useful for readers interested in information the use of single-use plastics, as well as help create awareness on single-use plastic effects on the health of animals and people.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Fact Sheet
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a severe viral disease caused by the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV). The virus mainly circulates among birds, through mosquito bites, and can infect other animals, as well as humans. EEE is found primarily in the Eastern U.S., Great Lakes region, and along the Gulf Coast. EEE is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito that acquire the virus from birds. Mosquitos can then transmit the virus to humans and animals.
Toxoplasmosis Fact Sheet
Zoonotic diseases (that spread from animals to humans) are a common issue of concern worldwide. One Health, a program that prioritizes the health of humans, animals, and the environment, studies how zoonotic diseases are transmitted between animals and humans via various methods. This fact sheet provides information on Toxoplasmosis, a common protozoan zoonotic disease in the United States. The etiological (origin) agent of toxoplasmosis is a protozoan parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It is most commonly contracted by eating infected undercooked meat, or through infected cat feces.
Does Bird Flu Affect My Food?
Bird flu (avian influenza) has become an increased concern in the health community throughout the United States. Thoughts of the potential risk of contracting the disease from foods that store bought foods prepared and consumed at home are concerning to many consumers. This fact sheet provides information on how to prevent risk from bird flu exposure and how to prepare food properly to ensure food safety.