Kuchipudi and Holt are recognized leaders in One Health, a collaborative, multisectoral and transdisciplinary approach recognizing that the health of people, animals, plants, and their shared environment are closely linked and interdependent. Together, the team will study the effects of economic instability, livestock disease outbreaks, regulatory requirements, chronic stress and rural isolation on farmers’ mental well-being.
“Farm work is physically demanding, financially precarious and deeply tied to family identity,” Frank said. “We are seeing concerning trends in depression and suicide among farm workers, but no one has taken a systematic look at why. We want to hear directly from farmers about their lived experiences and what resources they feel would truly help.”
Kuchipudi noted that animal-health crises can have significant personal and economic impacts on farmers. “When a disease like highly pathogenic avian influenza strikes, it is not just an animal-health event; it is a human crisis,” he said. “Farmers face the emotional burden of depopulating flocks or herds, the loss of income and the fear that another outbreak could be around the corner. Understanding these stressors from a One Health perspective is essential if we want to design meaningful and practical support.”
The study was developed in response to concerns raised during the June 2025 inaugural annual meeting of the Pennsylvania One Health Consortium, coordinated by the School of Public Health. Farmers, veterinarians and agricultural professionals reported rising stress levels across the state, intensified by animal-disease outbreaks, market volatility and limited access to rural health services.
Researchers will partner with a steering committee of stakeholders, including county officials, federally qualified health centers, agricultural organizations and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to inform study design and support outreach to farming communities. Approximately 50 farmers across high-need counties will be interviewed, with participants receiving a small incentive for their time.
The interviews will explore daily stressors, barriers to care, stigma and the forms of support farmers believe would make the greatest difference. Findings will guide recommendations for future interventions, resources and state-level advocacy to strengthen farmer well-being.
This work will be shared as part of discussions at the 2026 Pennsylvania One Health Consortium annual meeting, June 25-27, where stakeholders from across animal, human and environmental health will continue addressing the state’s most urgent One Health challenges.
By Clare Collins