06 March 2026

From Zoonotic Disease to Food Security: The Expanding Scope of One Health in Arid Regions

06 March 2026

Arid and semi-arid regions face a unique convergence of risks: climate stress, water scarcity, livestock vulnerability, and rising food import dependency.

In this context, the One Health framework is no longer limited to disease prevention. It has evolved into a strategic model for food security, environmental sustainability, and biosecurity resilience.

For countries across the Gulf and the broader Middle East, integrating agriculture, animal health, and environmental systems is becoming a structural necessity.

Understanding One Health Beyond Disease Control

The One Health approach recognizes the interdependence of human health, animal health, and environmental systems.

Historically, the framework gained prominence in response to zoonotic disease outbreaks — diseases transmitted between animals and humans.

• Heat stress impacts livestock productivity
• Water scarcity reduces crop yield
• Soil degradation limits sustainable farming
• Intensive production increases antimicrobial resistance risks

Zoonotic Disease Risks in Arid and High-Temperature Climates

High ambient temperatures, expanding urbanization, and livestock density can increase pathogen transmission risks.

Institutions such as the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority have strengthened surveillance systems and food safety regulations to address these risks.

• Heat stress weakens animal immunity
• Water constraints increase contamination risk
• Supply chain disruptions amplify exposure pathways

Food Security Vulnerability in Import-Dependent Regions

Many Middle Eastern countries rely heavily on food imports. Climate disruptions, geopolitical instability, and supply chain shocks can affect availability and pricing.

• Local agricultural research
• Climate-adaptive crop development
• Livestock biosecurity
• Sustainable water management

These strategies help reduce vulnerability and strengthen regional food security systems.

Climate Change Expands the Scope of One Health

• Crop productivity
• Livestock fertility and milk yield
• Vector-borne disease patterns
• Soil microbiome health

In arid regions, One Health integrates climate modeling, livestock surveillance, genomic epidemiology, and sustainable food production systems.

Livestock Biosecurity and Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global concern. Integrated One Health strategies promote prudent antimicrobial use, coordinated veterinary monitoring, and early warning systems.

The Role of Structured Platforms in Advancing Integration

Implementation requires structured coordination between research, policy, and industry.

Platforms like GARCX 2026 bring agriculture, veterinary science, food systems, and sustainability stakeholders together to address regional challenges collaboratively.

Conclusion

In arid and semi-arid regions, the scope of One Health now extends from zoonotic disease prevention to food system transformation.

The integration of climate resilience, livestock biosecurity, and sustainable agriculture will shape the future of food security across the Middle East and other water-constrained regions.

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