November 03, 2026
WHEREAS, more than half of all human infectious diseases are zoonotic, which means that they can be transmitted between humans and animals; and,
WHEREAS, three of every four new and emerging human infectious diseases originate in animals, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and,
WHEREAS, zoonotic diseases such as avian influenza, bovine tuberculosis, eastern equine encephalitis, Lyme disease, rabies, salmonella, swine flu, and West Nile virus can pose risks to human and animal health in Michigan; and,
WHEREAS, preparedness, prevention, and early detection are critical to limiting the spread of zoonotic diseases in humans, animals, and the environment; and,
WHEREAS, close and continuing cooperation among health care workers, veterinary professionals, scientists, and other public health contributors is essential for effective preparedness, prevention, and early detection of zoonotic diseases; and,
WHEREAS, “One Health” is a scientific approach that recognizes the close interdependencies among humans, animals, and the ecosystems they inhabit; and,
WHEREAS, the One Health approach promotes routine and effective collaboration among human health care workers, veterinary professionals, scientists, and other public health contributors at the local, regional, national, and international levels to ensure the continued health and resiliency of communities and ecosystems; and,
WHEREAS, by linking humans, animals, and the environment, One Health can help to address the full spectrum of disease control, including preparedness, prevention, early detection, response, and management related to zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, environmental pollution, and ecosystem health; and,
WHEREAS, the One Health approach strengthens Michigan’s capacity to protect the health of residents, livestock, domestic animals, wildlife, and ecosystems as well as to maintain the resiliency of the state’s $125.8 billion food and agriculture industry and $15.1 billion outdoor recreation economy; and,
WHEREAS, raising public awareness of the One Health approach promotes the adoption and implementation of scientifically proven biosecurity measures that protect human, animal, and environmental health;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 3, 2026, as One Health Day in Michigan. I encourage all Michiganders to observe this occasion with appropriate programs and educational activities to raise awareness and understanding of the One Health approach and its benefits for the health and resiliency of Michigan communities.
