The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of infectious diseases at the human-animal interface highlight the global challenge of mitigating zoonotic risks. The One Health approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, urging for holistic and interdisciplinary strategies in disease prevention. Despite growing interest, the attention to wildlife in pandemic prevention remains limited. This systematic literature review aims to evaluate recent One Health research on zoonotic diseases and wildlife in terms of study design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and participatory approaches. Key questions addressed include the consideration of One Health domains, disciplinary involvement, and the inclusion of non-academic stakeholders. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and Web of Science were searched for primary research papers on zoonotic diseases and wildlife from 2018 to 2023. Eligibility criteria included a focus on wildlife, zoonotic diseases, and adoption of the One Health approach. A total of 228 primary research papers were retrieved. Out of these, 105 studies were included in the review. Few studies integrated human, animal, and environmental domains simultaneously in data collection (4.8 %) and knowledge generation (29.5 %). While extensive knowledge was generated for animal health (97.1 %) and human health (84.8 %), environmental health (34.3 %) remained underrepresented. Laboratory methods predominated (82.9 %), with limited integration of social science methodologies (19 %). The majority were epidemiological studies (86.7 %), yet analytical design within these was sparse (17.1 %). Participation of non-academic stakeholders was limited (36.2 % included non-academics; 3.8 % encompassed participative approaches). The synthesis of the domains human, animal and environmental health remained fragmentary in the studies reviewed. Environmental health is underrepresented and the interdisciplinary involvement of social sciences lacks. Neglecting these fields of competence impedes comprehensive understanding of disease dynamics and hampers effective zoonosis prevention strategies. In result, greater inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, along with participatory approaches, are still needed for advancing One Health research.

Prepartum vaccinations against neonatal calf diarrhea pathogens are administered in late pregnancy to provide passive immunity to calves through protective colostral antibodies. Potential non-specific effects of the vaccine on maternal innate immune responses and disease susceptibility during the sensitive transition period have not been addressed so far. In this retrospective study, data from 73,378 dairy cows on 20 farms in Germany were analyzed, using linear mixed-effects regression, quantile regression, and decision-tree-algorithms, to investigate the effects of prepartum vaccination on mammary health and milk yield by comparing non-vaccinated and vaccinated transition periods. Herd management-related factors were found to be most influential for mammary health and milk yield. Vaccinated cows were not significantly more likely to develop mastitis and did not have significantly different somatic cell counts and milk yields compared to non-vaccinated cows. Healthy primiparous cows with and without vaccination had similar energy-corrected milk yields. The study concludes that prepartum vaccination against calf diarrhea has no significant effects on mammary health and milk yield. Further research is recommended to investigate potential non-specific vaccine effects on other organ systems, infectious diseases, and production metrics of the dairy cow.

The emergence and transmission of zoonotic diseases is a critical global challenge. Deforestation, land use changes, and urbanization have led to increased human-wildlife interactions, raising the likelihood of pathogen spillover. Wildlife trade, including handling and consumption, contributes significantly to this risk. This study aims to identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards zoonotic disease risks, wildlife trade, and consumption among rural and urban populations in Bolivia, Chile, Guatemala and Brazil, including indigenous communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study included a quantitative KAP survey with 3600 interviewees, qualitative in-depth interviews with 15 key actors and 6 focus group discussions to develop targeted educational interventions within the communities. This study's mixed-methods design provides quantitative baseline information, as well as qualitative context and depth, allowing for comprehensive insights into KAP in the communities in Latin America. To address the complex interplay of human, animal, and environmental factors, the One Health approach is applied with a focus on international and interdisciplinary collaboration. The participatory approach promotes mutual ownership and sustainability of public health interventions.

Prepartum vaccination of dairy cows against newborn calf diarrhea protects calves during the first weeks of life via the colostrum. Vaccination may also induce non-specific effects (NSEs) beyond antibody production, altering the disease susceptibility and productivity of the vaccinated mother. This retrospective study analyzed herd records and on-site survey data from 73,378 dairy cows on 20 German farms using linear mixed-effects models and random forest algorithms. Management practices and milk yield showed stronger associations with outcomes than vaccination. However, the cows vaccinated with non-live vaccines had increased odds of retained placenta and metritis (OR: 1.5–1.7), as well as endometritis (OR: 3–6), and were 20–24% less likely to conceive than non-vaccinated cows. Among non-live vaccinated cows, those vaccinated 2.5–4 weeks before calving had an 8% higher non-return rate compared to those vaccinated 6–8 weeks prior. Multiparous cows receiving live vaccine components were 1.9 times more likely to conceive, compared to non-live vaccinated multiparous cows. These findings suggest potential NSE of prepartum vaccination on uterine health and fertility. However, this study’s retrospective design limits causal interpretation, and the benefits in calves may outweigh possible adverse effects. Further research should clarify the mechanisms and optimize vaccine timing and composition.

Introduction: Human–animal contact (HAC) is a key driver of zoonotic disease emergence and transmission, yet population-based data from Latin America remain limited. The objective of this study was to characterize HAC patterns and estimate zoonotic exposure in wildlife-rich settings across Bolivia, Chile, and Guatemala. Methods: A cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey was conducted among 2,389 participants in rural, urban, and protected areas to collect direct, indirect, and foodborne contact with domestic and wild animals. Frequencies and patterns of HAC were analyzed and visualized using heatmaps, and a Zoonotic Exposure Index was developed based on literature-derived weightings for rabies, brucellosis, and bovine tuberculosis. Group differences were analyzed according to sociodemographic and knowledge-related factors. Results: Overall, 92% of participants reported domestic animal contact—most frequently with dogs, cats, poultry, and swine—while 32% reported wild animal contact, predominantly with wild birds, rodents, and bats. 99% of individuals with wildlife contact also reported contact with domestic animals. Direct interactions, including ownership, handling, and slaughtering, were most common, whereas indirect and foodborne contacts were less frequent. Adolescents showed the highest exposure. Higher education, income, and prior training on zoonoses were associated with lower exposure. Conclusion: The study confirms the widespread nature of HAC across wildlife, livestock, and humans. The zoonotic Exposure Index offers a useful framework, and exposure estimates provide baseline data to support pathogen surveillance and predictive risk modeling in the region. Adolescents and low-income populations emerge as key targets for One Health interventions.