68 Role of Agriculture and Food Systems

The zoonotic disease landscape heavily depends on agriculture as a fundamental component. The combination of industrial farming with intensive livestock operations and unhygienic animal markets establishes conditions which allow zoonotic pathogens to multiply (Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases 2016). The high concentration of animals in housing facilities creates stress which weakens their immune systems thus making them more vulnerable to disease. The conditions allow diseases to spread quickly while enabling mutations that could lead to better transmission capabilities or increased severity (Morse et al. 2012). The practice of using antibiotics in animal farming leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which makes human treatment of zoonotic infections more complicated (Siedner et al. 2020). (E.B.)

The One Health approach promotes responsible antibiotic stewardship because AMR represents a rising global health danger that affects both human and animal healthcare systems (Siedner et al. 2020). The implementation of sustainable food systems through pasture-based models combined with strict biosecurity protocols helps reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases (World Health Organization 2023). The distribution network of food products maintains a crucial connection to the overall system. The improper handling of animal products during storage and processing and their sale leads to outbreaks of diseases including salmonella and E. coli (Cleveland Clinic 2023). The combination of insufficient regulations and weak enforcement in informal food markets of resource-limited countries creates high-risk environments for disease transmission (Zoonotic Diseases and Emerging Health Threats 2023). (E.B.)