Biological control for One Health
Urs Schaffner, George E. Heimpel, Nicholas J. Mills, Beatrice Muriithi, Matthew B. Thomas, D Yubak, Kris A. G. Wyckhuys
Abstract
Biological control has been effectively exploited by mankind since 300 CE. By promoting the natural regulation of pests, weeds, and diseases, it produces societal benefits at the food-environment-health nexus. Here we scrutinize biological control endeavours and their social-ecological outcomes through a holistic ‘One-Health’ lens, recognizing that the health of humans, animals, plants, and the wider environment are linked and interdependent. Evidence shows that biological control generates desirable outcomes within all One Health dimensions, mitigating global change issues such as chemical pollution, biocide resistance, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction. Yet, its cross-disciplinary achievements remain underappreciated. To remedy this, we advocate a systems-level, integrated approach to biological control research, policy, and practice. Framing biological control in a One Health context helps to unite medical and veterinary personnel, ecologists, conservationists and agricultural professionals in a joint quest for solutions to some of the most pressing issues in planetary health. • Broader contributions of biological control to One Health remain underappreciated. • Direct and indirect benefits of biological control help tackle pressing global issues. • Global contributions of biological control to all dimensions of One Health are highlighted. • Recommendations to enhance application of biological control in One Health are proposed.