The below content replicates the content of the physical exhibit at CSU Spur. It can be used for reference, language translation, and additional accessibility.
Mission Statement
CSU’s One Health Institute takes a transdisciplinary approach to advance health for humans, animals, and the environment.
We work to solve complex problems at this intersection through research, training, outreach, and advocacy.
Supporting Pillars
Collaborative team
One Health has members from all eight colleges at CSU in Fort Collins, as well as partnerships from many community groups locally, regionally, and globally.
Where and how we work
We have a unique ecosystem, community, and location in the Colorado front range where the mountains meet the plains. We make a point to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion because underserved communities are more negatively impacted by climate change and health issues.
Leadership and advocacy
Our collaborative approach brings together experts and communities to generate problem-solving systems for One Health issues facing our society.
Featured stories
Disease spillover and spillback: COVID-19 and other zoonotic diseases
A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be passed between humans and animals. When it is passed to people from animals it’s called spillover, and when it is passed from people to animals it is called spillback. COVID-19 is a spillover and spillback zoonotic disease. Understanding the impact of a disease on humans, animals, and the environment helps us prepare for any possible future pandemics.
Image Caption: Scientists at CSU studied different parts of the COVID pandemic to help find solutions. From left to right: Kristy Pablionia, Greg Ebel, Sue VandeWoude, Nicole Ehrhart. Photo courtesy of CSU.
Inclusive Health Collaborative
Veterinary, medical, public health, and social work students are working together— supervised by CSU faculty and community-based practitioners— to provide access to health care for people and their companion animals experiencing homelessness.
Image Caption: Wellness clinics help to provide no-cost, high-quality care to pets. Photo courtesy of CSU.
Climate Change and One Health: Preparing animals for disaster
Natural disasters are on the rise, so it is important to know how to safely evacuate pets, horses, and other animals. CSU Extension offers disaster planning for animals across the state. Emergency plans that include animals, allow for more animals to be reunited with their families afterward, and saves human lives too.
Image Caption: The Cameron Peak Fire burned west of Fort Collins in the summer of 2020. Photo courtesy of CSU.
Community Partnerships for One Health: Soapstone Bison Conservation
Bison are essential to the health of our grasslands. As a keystone species, they support many other species and help balance the ecosystem. By providing a native pasture for bison, this project preserves bison genetics, controls the spread of disease, and increases human connection to the herd and the land.
Image Caption: Bison graze on Soapstone Prairie. Photo courtesy of CSU.
Call to Action
Our health is connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. When we learn about the relationships between humans, animals, and the environment, we can work together to ensure all groups remain healthy.
