TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey One Health Task Force (OHTF) has approved its first Strategic Plan, marking a significant step in advancing coordinated efforts to protect human, animal, and environmental health. The plan was adopted at the task force’s quarterly public meeting on May 23, 2025.
New Jersey became the first state to legislate a One Health initiative with the creation of the OHTF in 2021 (P.L. 2021, Chapter 117). The “One Health” concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of public health, veterinary health, and environmental well-being, calling for collaboration across multiple disciplines. Members include experts in human and veterinary medicine, public health, epidemiology, and academic research.
The Strategic Plan outlines six primary goals:
- Strengthening coordination and collaboration across One Health disciplines.
- Stimulating interdisciplinary research and innovation.
- Developing a One Health–aware workforce.
- Increasing public awareness of One Health.
- Improving data accessibility.
- Ensuring long-term sustainability of the One Health approach in New Jersey.
“Agriculture sits at the crossroads of human, animal, and environmental health,” Agriculture Secretary Ed Wengryn said, noting the importance of addressing challenges holistically to ensure agricultural resilience.
DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said the plan will “spur a coordinated, multi-disciplined response to growing threats to wildlife and agricultural commodities, ultimately better protecting public health.”
Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown added that the initiative “puts New Jersey at the vanguard of science and public health, providing a roadmap for building the infrastructure that will undergird this complex and essential work.”
The task force will review and adjust the plan annually. Several objectives are already in progress, with more initiatives planned to improve health outcomes for residents, animals, plants, and ecosystems.
To support its mission, the NJ Department of Agriculture has launched OneHealthConnect, a public listserv designed to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. The service allows participants to share research, events, and opportunities for joint projects.
More information on One Health and the task force can be found on the NJDA website, and residents can sign up for the OneHealthConnect listserv online.
