SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Of interest to livestock and poultry producers: After taking effect on Jan. 1, Illinois State Senate Bill 291 established a statewide “One Health Commission” within the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to address proactive strategies for the prevention of zoonotic diseases.

According to an IDPH news release, a “One Health” approach refers to the recognition that human health is interconnected with the health of animal populations and the environment. The approach covers zoonotic diseases (which can be transmitted from animals to humans) such as avian influenza, as well as those carried by insects (including Lyme disease and West Nile virus), antimicrobial resistance and other health concerns.

The new commission will promote interdisciplinary communication and collaboration among doctors, veterinarians, other medical and scientific experts, and state agencies to develop a unified approach to preventing and containing outbreaks at state and local levels. It will be co-chaired by the director of IDPH and the president of the University of Illinois System, or their designees.

“The One Health Commission includes the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) as a commission member,” said Jennifer Tirey, executive director of the Illinois Pork Producers Association. “As a partner with IDOA I know they will be in contact with us if any livestock-related issues arise.”

The pork industry is in full support of the One Health movement. The National Pork Board (NPB) said the One Health approach embodies their We Care Ethical Principles, which include food safety, animal well-being, our people, public health, environment and community.

“The One Health approach is vital in meeting the growing market demand for pork. As consumers become more conscientious about the food they consume, there is a heightened focus on food safety, animal welfare and environmental sustainability,” according to Dr. Heather Fowler, NPB director of producer and public health.

 Acknowledging the interconnected nature of human, animal and environmental health, State Senator and bill co-sponsor Julie Morrison said the new law was designed to enhance coordination among health care providers, veterinary professionals and environmental specialists in addressing Illinois’ public health concerns.

“Recent events have demonstrated the clear connection between animal and human health – from COVID-19 to the latest bird flu cases,” Morrison (D-Lake Forest) said in a news release. “Cross-disciplinary collaboration will enable the state to respond more effectively to complicated health threats.”

Morrison said the commission will work closely with state agencies to recommend best practices to promote interdisciplinary communication, establish methods for the response to and recovery from disease outbreaks in animals and humans and develop ways to monitor emerging health threats, among other responsibilities. The commission will submit a report of recommendations to the governor and General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2027.

Research shows integrating expertise across disciplines helps achieve better health outcomes for all living things, according to Morrison. “This law dismantles the barriers that currently separate human, animal and environmental health sectors,” she said. “Implementing a One Health framework enables us to leverage the expertise of top professionals across these fields, allowing for more proactive strategies in protecting public health.”

According to the text of the bill, Illinois’ One Health Commission will be composed of the directors of the IDPH, IDOA, the U of I System, Illinois EPA, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Homeland Security, Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Housing Development Authority, Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; four One Health experts from the academic or educational community; two physicians licensed in all medical branches in Illinois with at least one an expert in epidemiology or infectious disease surveillance; two veterinarians, and one member who represents a “safety net medical facility” and who is also a One Health expert. Members will be appointed to four-year terms, and will serve without compensation other than reimbursement for expenses associated with their service.

The commission will provide updated recommendations for public policy regarding zoonotic disease outbreaks and other health crises every two years following the release of their original recommendations due in 2027, according to the text of the bill.