One Health

The University of Edinburgh

Researchers: Cleaveland, Hampson, Lembo, Knobel and team

Rabies is a lethal viral disease transmitted to humans, usually through bites from infected dogs. Once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. Preventative vaccination and timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are highly effective, but PEP must be administered quickly.

Despite progress in the Americas, human and canine rabies remains a major problem in Africa, killing around 24,000 people annually. Misconceptions about the disease, dog ecology and the cost of prevention have hindered effective control. Traditional approaches, like culling ‘stray’ dogs, are largely ineffective because most domestic dogs are accessible for vaccination.

Researchers at the University of Glasgow demonstrated that mass canine vaccination is feasible and cost-effective, providing the best strategy to prevent human rabies in rural Africa. Their work also showed that switching from conventional intramuscular PEP to intradermal regimens significantly reduces vaccine use and public health costs, making prevention more sustainable.

This research has directly influenced policy in Tanzania, Kenya and globally, contributing to national rabies control plans and WHO recommendations. By addressing rabies as a One Health challenge, the team highlighted the importance of collaboration between veterinary and medical authorities, helping to save lives and improve public health.

Royal Veterinary College 

Researchers: Pfieffer and team

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, is a highly contagious disease in poultry, often causing near 100% mortality in vulnerable species. Since 2003, HPAI H5N1 outbreaks have been reported in 63 countries, destroying over 140 million birds in Southeast Asia alone—equating to around $10 billion in losses and threatening the livelihoods of low-income families. The virus also poses a serious public health risk, with nearly 600 human infections and a 60% mortality rate.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health team undertook interdisciplinary research to support governments and global health authorities in responding to outbreaks. Their studies revealed that waterbird farming systems in the Mekong Delta created ideal conditions for virus spread and that vaccination campaigns could unintentionally contribute to transmission if poorly implemented.

By combining epidemiology, economics and field data, the RVC team showed that planned movement restrictions were far more effective than reactive vaccination or widespread culling. Their work informed national and international policies, helping countries like Thailand, Vietnam and several African nations refine vaccination, culling and surveillance strategies while safeguarding traders’ livelihoods.

The team also contributed to risk assessments in Europe, shaping guidelines for the European Food Safety Authority. Through a One Health approach, the RVC’s research continues to improve disease control, international coordination and public health strategies worldwide.

The University of Edinburgh

Researchers: Langley-Evans, Gardner, McMullen, Sinclair and team

Research in Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) shows that maternal diet during pregnancy and early infant nutrition can profoundly influence lifelong health. Individuals born unusually small or large face a 2–8 times higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in adulthood.

The University of Nottingham developed the first nutrition-related animal models to study DOHaD, demonstrating that low maternal protein intake leads to smaller offspring with higher blood pressure and increased susceptibility to non-communicable diseases. Follow-up studies in larger animals confirmed these findings, establishing the biological plausibility of early-life programming on adult health.

This research has influenced global policy and public health recommendations. It has guided the World Health Organisation, the British Medical Association, the Department of Health and Social Care and corporate partners such as Nestlé in developing nutritional guidance for mothers, infants and young children. The evidence has also challenged prevailing assumptions about childhood obesity, informing healthcare strategies and economic planning.

Through these contributions, Nottingham researchers have had a lasting international impact, improving health across generations by shaping policies that target maternal and infant nutrition and reduce the long-term burden of disease.