Can CRISPR Technology Help Us Meet the Goals of “One Health”?

The concept of “One Health” recognizes that the health of people, animals, and the environment are linked. Human population expansion and increased global migration have led to significant land-use changes and urbanization, all of which have an impact on the environment and increase the risk of disease transmission between animals and people. Although increased specialization within scientific disciplines and professions has greatly improved the health and well-being of people and animals, it has also led to silos that impede interdisciplinary communication. Tackling problems at the core of “One Health” requires equal amounts of “cross-silo” and “within silo” cooperation and collaboration. To address this issue, many leaders are encouraging all levels of government – local, state, and national – to develop efforts that facilitate such interdisciplinary communication.