Italians Trust Veterinarians but Lack Awareness of One Health Approach

Veterinary Authority and Public Trust

Veterinarians function as the primary and most trusted source of information across the animal health ecosystem. Survey data presented at the AISA conference show that 42% of all Italians identify veterinarians as their main information source, a figure that increases to 69% among pet owners. Public confidence in the profession reaches 88% regarding animal health protection, 86% for pet-care advice, and 75% for safeguarding public health. Among pet owners, 68% rely on a designated veterinarian of choice. Perceived competence drives this selection for 60% of respondents, far outweighing cost considerations at 26%. Preventive care practices match this high trust, as 77% of owners take their animals for regular check-ups.

Awareness of Zoonoses and Antibiotic Resistance

Public awareness regarding shared health risks between animals and humans shows distinct areas of knowledge alongside significant blind spots. Exactly half of the surveyed Italians can correctly define zoonoses, yet only 12% accurately estimate their actual prevalence among human infectious diseases, while 46% underestimate their frequency. Understanding of antimicrobial resistance is more pronounced in specific contexts. While 46% of respondents provide a correct definition of antibiotic resistance, 79% agree that agricultural antibiotic use can harm consumers of meat and animal products. This concern translates into purchasing habits, with 69% viewing the consumption of meat from antibiotic-free livestock as a positive choice.

The One Health Communications Challenge

The integrated One Health concept faces a substantial narrative hurdle due to limited public familiarity. The poll indicates that 74% of Italians have never heard of One Health, and only 1% report knowing the term well. When researchers present a guided definition, comprehension improves: 24% correctly identify the integrated approach connecting human, animal, and environmental well-being, with recognition rising to 34% among university graduates. When evaluating factors critical to personal well-being, respondents place animal health in third position at 28%, trailing environmental conditions at 37% and human health at 36%.

Information Channels and Pet Ownership Demographics

Information consumption habits vary significantly based on pet ownership. Roughly one in three Italians seeks out animal health news monthly, while 27% rarely or never access such information. Pet ownership raises engagement, with 36% of owners seeking monthly updates. Veterinarians remain the top information channel at 42%, followed by websites at 34% and social networks at 29%. Artificial intelligence tools serve as a source for 16% of respondents overall and 23% of those under 35, an age group where social media functions as the primary information source at 61%. Communicable diseases between animals and humans draw the highest interest at 33%, followed by animal-derived food safety at 28%. Overall, 41% of Italians currently own a pet, predominantly dogs at 64% and cats at 53%, with higher ownership rates among women at 47% compared to 34% for men, particularly in the 36-55 age bracket. Among non-owners, 48% express a desire to own a pet, rising to 57% among young adults aged 18 to 35. Practical obstacles limit pet acquisition rather than lack of interest, led by unsuitable housing at 41%, maintenance costs at 30%, and time constraints or frequent absences at 26%.