Zoobiquity

Zoobiquity is a field of medicine that seeks to bridge the gap between human and veterinary medicine. It is based on the understanding that animals and humans share many of the same diseases, and therefore can benefit from shared insights and treatments. The term was coined by Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, a cardiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Kathryn Bowers, a science journalist.

History

The concept of Zoobiquity has its roots in One Health, a movement that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. However, Zoobiquity takes this concept a step further by actively seeking to apply insights from animal health to the treatment of human disease.

Principles

Zoobiquity is based on several key principles:

• Shared Diseases: Many diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and mental health disorders, are common to both humans and animals. By studying these diseases in animals, we can gain insights into their human counterparts.

• Shared Environments: Humans and animals often share the same environments, and therefore are exposed to many of the same environmental factors that can contribute to disease.

• Shared Treatments: Treatments that are effective in animals can often be adapted for use in humans, and vice versa.

Applications

Zoobiquity has been applied in a number of ways, including:

• Research: Researchers are using insights from animal health to inform their studies of human disease.

• Clinical Practice: Some doctors are incorporating insights from veterinary medicine into their clinical practice.

• Public Health: Public health officials are using insights from animal health to inform their efforts to prevent and control disease in human populations.

Criticisms

While Zoobiquity has been praised for its innovative approach, it has also faced some criticism. Some critics argue that the differences between humans and animals are too great for the approach to be useful. Others worry that it could lead to the overuse of animal testing.

See Also

• One Health
• Comparative Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine

References

Zoobiquity Resources
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