Animal Culling and the One Health Approach - Some Ethical Considerationsts

Abstract

Animal culling involvesremoving unwanted animals from a herd due to reasons such as; disease control, poor productivity, and population management. This practice is crucial in controlling the spread of zoonotic diseases, especially when vaccines are unavailable. However, the methods used in culling cause significant pain to animals and lead to emotional distress and stress to those left behind. Workers involved in culling also experience emotional distress. Despite morally better alternatives, animal culling remains widespread. This study examined the ethical aspects of animal culling in the context of zoonotic diseases using the One Health approach as its theoretical framework. The research explored the moral grounds for culling healthy animals to control zoonotic diseases, illustrated the negative consequences of wildlife culling, and examined the ethical quandaries surrounding animal culling. To achieve this, the study reviewed existing literature on ethical concerns of animal culling, the biodiversity impacts of culling, and the alternative methods to culling. The research argues that animal culling harms both individuals, animals, and the ecosystem,and recommends the implementation of deep prevention strategies, the establishment of clear ethical guidelines that can guide the conduct and decision-making of public health policies, community engagement, and education about One Health and legislation and review of public health policies that have negative effects on animal, human and environmental health. The study contributes to better knowledge in understanding the ethical issues surrounding animal culling and promotes alternatives that can foster the well-being of animals, humans, and the environment. This fostersa better management of zoonotic diseases, ensuring a more balanced and interconnected approach to global health