Public health, agriculture, the environment, and the food supply could be severely affected by the presence of infectious agents that occur naturally, are the result of accidents, or are intentionally introduced. Yet today, the capability to detect these biological pathogens effectively and rapidly is lacking. This shortfall continues, despite recent key technological advances that could alter the biosurveillance landscape.
The foundations of biosurveillance lie in the One Health concept, which the World Health Organization defines as "an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems."1 This approach acknowledges the direct relationship between the health outcomes of people, animals, and ecosystems. What affects one, affects all.