One Health Living Lab: A Collaborative and Novel Approach to Zoonotic Public Health Challenges in Portugal

Abstract

Portugal faces challenges in implementing the One Health approach for zoonotic disease. To foster integrated solutions, a “One Health Living Lab” initiative engaged diverse stakeholders, focusing on junior professionals (ie, veterinary students, public health residents, and environmental health technicians). For 2 months, multidisciplinary teams addressed Avian influenza H5N1 in cats, Mycobacterium caprae, Streptococcus suis, Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) through research, stakeholder engagement and solution codesign. Key outcomes included establishing a feline HPAI sentinel network, confirming S suis occupational risks, developing a timely CCHF preparedness exercise and identifying potential M caprae underdiagnosis. The living lab successfully fostered collaboration and generated practical, bottom-up initiatives. While highlighting persistent systemic barriers like data sharing, the model demonstrates a promising approach for engaging future professionals and strengthening Portugal’s health security against zoonotic threats, ensuring sustained support and integration.