Zoonotic Diseases and Pets FAQ
Animals can carry diseases that people can catch. Get answers to commonly asked questions about disease risks related to pets.
policy
AVMA animal welfare principles
The AVMA, as a medical authority for the health and welfare of animals, offers eight integrated principles for developing and evaluating animal…
Plague FAQ
Human Plague frequently asked questions: Plague is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
policy
UNDER REVIEWImportation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animals
The AVMA recommends regulations governing the importation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animal species when there is…
Salmonella: Amphibians and Reptiles (FAQ)
Questions and answers for pet owners concerned about Salmonella associated with amphibians and reptiles.
Disease Risks for People at Dog Social Events
People attending dog social events can be at risk of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that spread from animals to people. Some of these diseases…
Pet care
Responsible pet ownership and pet health care. Topics include preventive care, keeping pets healthy and safe, pet medications and prescriptions...
JAVMA news
AVMA revises policy on feral cats to encourage collaboration
The AVMA has revised its policy on “Free-roaming Abandoned and Feral Cats” to encourage collaboration among veterinarians, humane groups, and wildlife…
JAVMA news
Editing Animals
Recent gene-editing technologies are being used to create mice that model human genetic diseases, Holstein cattle lacking horns, and current research…
JAVMA news
Multimillion-dollar gifts fund translational therapy institute
An anonymous racehorse breeder has donated $20 million to Colorado State University to build a regenerative medicine research facility,
Zika virus
Can pets be reservoir hosts for Zika virus? Can dogs or other pets get Zika from humans or transmit it to them? Is there a vaccine for Zika?
JAVMA news
Groups provide new guidance on antimicrobials
The AVMA, Canadian VMA, and Federation of Veterinarians of Europe are calling for continuous monitoring of antimicrobial use and resistance at a…
JAVMA news
Banfield Foundation commits $1M to domestic violence programs
The Banfield Foundation announced that it has committed to investing $1 million over four years through its Safer Together initiative to raise…
JAVMA news
National Academies of Practice advances interprofessional health care
The mission of the NAP calls for distinguished professionals to advance interprofessional health care
JAVMA news
One-health visionary receives AVMA Award
Dr. Roger K. Mahr proposed initiative that led to One Health Commission
JAVMA news
From 'Zoobiquity' to 'Wildhood'
Many humans don’t realize how much they have in common with other animal species from monkeys to gazelles to even guppies. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz,…
JAVMA news
In Short
Osteosarcoma is genetically similar in dogs and human children, according to a study published July 19 in the journal Communications Biology by Tufts…
JAVMA news
The hidden ecosystem of the gut microbiome
Millions of bacteria live in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, including cats, dogs, and humans.
JAVMA news
Convention-goers get a peek at DC Public Health Lab
Kicking off the tour was Tony Tran, PHL director and a doctor of public health, who described some of the laboratory's activities.
JAVMA news
Finding perspective on outdoor cats
“You probably came to this talk and expected me to just say, ‘Kill all the cats,’ right?” asked Dr. Renée Schott, medical director at the Wildlife…
JAVMA news
AAFP updates guidelines on feline zoonoses
Many benefits come with having pet cats, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, but education is key to prevent transmission…