Sustainable and Innovative One Health Approaches in Veterinary Reproductive Therapeutics to Protect Environmental and Human Health
Veterinary reproductive medicine forms a cornerstone of animal production and welfare, yet its reliance on pharmaceuticals, antimicrobials, and a variety of interventions introduces a cascade of potential challenges that extend well beyond animal health. Mounting evidence highlights concerns including the propagation of antimicrobial resistance and occupational exposures for veterinary and agricultural workers. Furthermore, the carbon footprint and waste associated with reproductive management contribute to broader environmental challenges, while efforts to maximize fertility underscore the delicate balance between productivity and sustainability. Although significant research has focused on optimizing reproductive success in various species, there remains a critical need to assess the holistic impact of these interventions, especially under the guiding principles of One Health, which emphasize the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health.Recent studies have begun to address these multifaceted issues by exploring alternatives such as targeted therapeutic protocols, reduced use of antimicrobials and greater utilization of precision diagnostics. Early findings suggest these approaches can maintain or even enhance reproductive outcomes while lowering risks to the environment and human populations, yet widespread practical uptake lags behind. Current debate centers around the trade-offs involved in reducing pharmaceutical use, the real-world feasibility of sustainable management techniques, and the quantification of ecological benefits versus the potential risks to animal productivity. Gaps persist in standardized methods for measuring environmental emissions, and evaluating the occupational risks linked to reproductive interventions, making further research both timely and imperative.This Research Topic aims to advance and synthesize therapeutic and management strategies in veterinary reproduction that safeguard or improve reproductive efficiency, while simultaneously minimizing environmental contamination and antimicrobial resistance pressures. Central objectives include mapping existing practices to identify risk points, investigating lower-impact and precision-based alternatives, fostering evidence-based stewardship of reproductive agents, promoting implementation science to support on-farm adoption, and standardizing assessment frameworks. The ultimate goal is to facilitate sustainable reproductive care that aligns with One Health priorities and delivers actionable solutions for veterinary clinicians, researchers, and industry stakeholders.To gather further insights in the sustainable and One Health-oriented boundaries of veterinary reproductive therapies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Alternatives to routine antimicrobials in reproductive management and evidence-based stewardship protocols- Sustainable assisted reproductive technologies, including eco-friendly lab practices and quality control- Links between reproductive health management, productivity metrics, and emissions or climate outcomes- Development and evaluation of innovative therapeutics and delivery systems with lower environmental footprintsThis collection will consider Original Research, Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analyses, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Brief Research Reports, Methods articles, and Policy & Practice or Perspective contributions that address the scope above. Topic editors: Annalisa Rizzo, Alice Carbonari Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78344/sustainable-and-innovative-one-health-approaches-in-veterinary-reproductive-therapeutics-to-protect-environmental-and-human-health
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