Governor Lamont declares November 3 as One Health Day in Connecticut

HARTFORD, Conn.—Governor Ned Lamont has proclaimed November 3 as One Health Day in Connecticut. This day recognizes the collaborative efforts of multiple health and social science professions working locally, nationally, and globally in an approach rooted in a simple idea: the health of people, animals, and the environment we share is closely linked. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg), and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) join in this celebration to highlight the shared work that keeps Connecticut healthy.
The One Health approach has stood the test of time with state agencies applying this framework to manage issues such as rabies, mosquito-borne diseases, highly pathogenic avian influenza, food safety, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging environmental health concerns. One Health brings public health professionals, veterinarians, farmers, biologists, environmental scientists, and others together to solve problems that no single agency or discipline could fully address on their own.

“One Health reminds us that our well-being doesn’t stop at our own front door. The health of our families is tied to the health of our pets, our farms, our wildlife, and the water, air, and soil around us,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D. “Whether we’re tracking a virus in wildlife, supporting farmers, or protecting the food and water Connecticut families rely on, no single agency can do this alone. Connecticut is stronger because we work together.”

“Protecting Connecticut’s agricultural industry and the public requires a strong One Health approach that recognizes the connection between animal, human, and environmental health,” said DoAg Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “We must lead with vigilance and act swiftly through close collaboration among federal, state, local, academic, and industry partners. By working together, we can strengthen preparedness, safeguard our food system, and protect the health and well-being of all Connecticut residents.”

“The One Health approach recognizes that human health, environmental health, and the health of our wildlife and agriculture are linked. A unified, interdisciplinary approach by public health, environmental, and agriculture agencies is critical to meet today’s challenges, secure our physical and mental health, and conserve and protect our diverse natural and agricultural resources,” said Emma Cimino, Acting DEEP Commissioner. “Whether it is collaboration on issues like air quality, keeping contaminants out of the environment, rabies, avian influenza, or vector-borne diseases, or discussions on how to prevent newly emerging challenges, increase food security, or helping people find solace in the natural world, working together leads to healthier outcomes.”

Emerging Zoonotic Diseases

More than half of human infectious diseases can spread between animals and people, and many new and emerging infections begin in animals. Connecticut's agencies monitor these threats together.

Connecticut state agencies continue to work together to monitor for avian influenza (bird flu). DEEP and USDA APHIS have conducted targeted surveillance of wild birds and other wildlife since 2006, while the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and State Veterinarian work directly with poultry and dairy producers to strengthen biosecurity and support response efforts. The Connecticut Department of Public Health also monitors for potential human illness and coordinates closely with the CDC. Although a recent avian influenza-related death was reported in Washington state, the current public health risk remains low. Properly cooked poultry and eggs and pasteurized milk remain safe to consume.

Drug-Resistant Infections

Antibiotics and other antimicrobials are essential to treating infections in people and animals, but their use in any setting can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. Because resistant germs can move between people, animals, food, and the environment, minimizing the development of antibiotic resistance is very important and requires everyone to do their part.

The Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program works with the Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory and a national lab network to track germs that resist strong antibiotics. One example is carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), which can infect both people and pets.

Using DNA testing, DPH looks for how these germs may spread in animal health care settings. We also share ways to prevent infections and protect veterinary staff and pet owners’ families.

An HAI/AR team member is also part of the new UConn Connecticut One Health Working Group. The group looks at current health needs and supports teamwork that helps people, animals, and the environment across Connecticut.

Climate Change and Environmental Pollution

A changing climate is influencing the health of Connecticut communities, from longer seasons for ticks and mosquitoes to shifts in wildlife and plant health and the spread of disease. Environmental pollutants can affect air, soil, and water quality, with impacts on people, pets, wildlife, and food production. Connecticut is expected to have a growing number of days over 90 degrees due to climate change. That extreme heat has direct impacts on human health. Increasing temperatures also exacerbate poor air quality, especially in the summer when ground level ozone or smog can form. This past summer, Connecticut exceeded the federal health-based standards for ozone (smog) on 17 days which is challenging for anyone suffering from asthma or other respiratory illnesses.

Connecticut activated its Extreme Hot Weather Protocol three times during summer 2026, and DPH is reviewing heat-related illness data from the season to inform future preparedness. Connecticut is also seeing an increasing trend of wildfire smoke impacting Connecticut producing unhealthy air quality which can also present significant risk to our most vulnerable residents.

State agencies work together to monitor these changes, protect natural resources, and share information so residents can make informed choices. For example, the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station provides tick testing and conducts active monitoring of ticks and mosquitos in Connecticut for disease prevalence; and DEEP and DPH issue air quality warnings for the public with steps they can take to protect themselves and their families.

Food Safety

Keeping food safe depends on collaboration between DPH, DoAg, and DEEP at every step, from farm to table. DoAg, DPH, and local health partners work to protect the safety of Connecticut's food supply through inspections, animal health programs, and public education.

Conclusion

One Health work happens every day. No single agency can fully address today’s complex public health challenges on their own. By sharing expertise, resources, data, and information, state agencies strengthen preparedness, improve response efforts, and develop more effective solutions to emerging health threats. Working together using a One Health approach builds a healthier, safer, and more resilient Connecticut for everyone.

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