Most infectious disease outbreaks in humans begin with zoonotic transmission. However, the mandate on how to address animal health epidemics is not robust, unless it involves livestock or there is crossover to humans. We are currently facing the largest outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza virus, which is concerning because, although it is not easily transmitted to and between people, of 868 cases of H5N1 in the past 26 years, 457 (53%) people died.

The concept of One Health calls for a collaborative and unified approach to integrate animal, planetary, and human health. But is the current strategy to the avian influenza epidemic following this approach, or are we waiting for a zoonotic big leap before action is judged worthwhile?