VN February 2023

Vetnuus | Februarie 2023 32 One Health gives effect to the inextricable link between human health, animal health, and environmental health. Although this knowledge has been available for centuries, these disciplines have functioned in silos in South Africa and globally. It is especially evident in the lack of legislation providing for the overarching One Health concept and the conflict that often occurs in existing legislation. South Africa does not have a shortage of legislation dealing with the protection of human, animal, or environmental health. Just listing all the relevant environmental legislation would probably take up most of the space available for this column. However, several lacunae and issues need to be addressed to create a proper legal framework for One Health. It is important to acknowledge that there has been significant progress and collaboration concerning One Health in South Africa. The three relevant national departments. i.e., the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), and the Department of Environmental Affairs created the National One Health Forum in 2014 South African Journal of Infectious Disease 2017;32(3):4-5. One Health in South Africa? JacquelineWeyer, MisheckMulumba. Collaboration with various other role players is continuously happening. However, to date, it has not led to the creation of specific legislation or amendment of legislation to incorporate the One Health concept specifically. Shortcomings of Current Legislation Environmental legislation in South Africa is very complex and contained in numerous laws - from national statutes to provincial and local legislation. It makes it extremely difficult for any individual who does not specialize in environmental law to know and understand it. To get compliance with any legislation, it must be easy for people to know about it and understand what is expected of them. Unfortunately, the current legislation does not overcome this hurdle. Another problem is the legal uncertainty created when different statutes regulate aspects of the same issue. There is also a lack of coordination and cooperation between the different authorities responsible for applying and enforcing the different legislation. Legal Mews ISTHERE AWORKABLE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORKTO SUPPORT "ONEHEALTH"? Dr Trudie Prinsloo, Legalvet Services; E-mail: trudie@legalvetservices.co.za This article is intended to provide information and educate veterinarians on relevant aspects of the law. It is not intended as personal legal advice. SAVA is not responsible or liable for any advice or other information provided herein.