Colorado signs One Health pact to protect public and animal health

DENVER — Three Colorado agencies have signed a new agreement to improve coordination on issues that affect people, animals, and the environment, marking a significant step toward a unified public health approach.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday, coinciding with National One Health Day. The agreement establishes protocols for sharing information, defining agency roles, and improving communication during health emergencies.

The “One Health” approach recognizes that the health of humans, animals and ecosystems is interconnected. By formalizing collaboration, the agencies aim to respond more effectively to challenges such as zoonotic diseases, foodborne illness outbreaks and biological threats.

“This MOU is a critical step forward for Colorado’s commitment to One Health,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin. “By formalizing collaboration between state agencies, we can better protect our livestock industry, ensure food safety and respond swiftly to any health threats that impact our communities and agricultural resources.”

The agreement replaces a 2007 memorandum between CDA and CDPHE and expands participation to include CPW. It establishes a broader framework to address emerging issues that affect both wildlife and humans.

Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of CDPHE, said the coordinated approach will help agencies act more quickly and efficiently during crises. “The fastest, most effective response to health threats happens when agencies are aligned before a crisis begins,” Ryan said. “This agreement gives us the structure to move quickly and in sync when human, animal, or environmental health is at risk.”

CPW Director Jeff Davis said the collaboration will enhance the state’s ability to respond to wildlife-related health issues. “Wildlife plays a central role in the health of Colorado’s people and environment,” Davis said. “This agreement strengthens our partnerships with CDA and CDPHE, allowing us to share expertise and respond more effectively to emerging health concerns that cross the boundaries between wildlife, livestock, and human communities.”

Under the new framework, each agency will retain authority over its respective domain: CDA for livestock health, CDPHE for public health and CPW for wildlife management. The agreement also sets standards for data sharing while maintaining confidentiality and calls for a review every two years to ensure its continued relevance.

Officials said the One Health MOU will streamline responses to zoonotic diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, coordinate efforts during foodborne illness investigations, and strengthen preparedness for potential bioterrorism threats.

The initiative reflects Colorado’s growing focus on interdisciplinary cooperation as the state addresses complex health challenges linked to environmental change and human activity.