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…
Euthanasia
Eventually, many owners are faced with making life-or-death decisions for their pets. Although euthanasia is a personal decision, it doesn’t need to…
Salmonella: Amphibians and Reptiles (FAQ)
Questions and answers for pet owners concerned about Salmonella associated with amphibians and reptiles.
JAVMA news
FDA creates guide on Salmonella in pet food
Pet food cannot be sold if it contains any Salmonella serotype, and neither can horse or livestock feed containing certain serotypes.
JAVMA news
Exhibit on homeless and their pets debuts
The Los Angeles–based National Museum of Animals & Society’s first exhibition, titled “My Dog is My Home: The Experience of of Human-Animal…
What to do if your pet has ingested a rodenticide
If you know or suspect your pet has ingested a rodenticide, immediately contact your veterinarian, emergency veterinary clinic, the ASPCA Animal…
Protect your Family, Pets, and Livestock from Rodents and Rodenticides
Controlling rodents protects animal and public health, but some control measures carry risks of their own. Learn to protect pets if using…
JAVMA news
Restricting ownership of wild animals
Ohio residents have received or sought permits to continue owning about 300 primates
JAVMA news
Survey to probe veterinarians’ mental health
The NASPHV, Auburn, and CDC are partnering together to assess how many U.S. veterinarians experience serious mental illness or contemplated suicide
JAVMA news
Report highlights risk of rat-bite fever
A new report highlights the risk of rat-bite fever among owners of pet rats.
JAVMA news
Outbreak of canine influenza caused by new strain of virus
An outbreak of canine influenza in the Chicago area ongoing as of mid-April has been caused by a strain of virus not previously detected in North…
JAVMA news
Katrina: stories from the storm
A decade has passed since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans on Aug. 29, 2005, breaking levees and flooding much of the area.
JAVMA news
Rumors of the demise of the extension veterinarian
No one knows exactly how many extension veterinarians there are, although they always have been few in number.
Household hazards
Every home contains items that can be dangerous or fatal if ingested by dogs and cats. You can protect your pet by learning about these hazards.
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
Studies confirm poor well-being in veterinary professionals, students
Group of researchers tying occupational health with mental health outcomes in the profession
Selecting a pet rodent
Learn about pet rodents to determine if a pet such as a rat, mouse, gerbil, hamster or guinea pig is an appropriate pet for your family.
Selecting a pet ferret
Learn more about ferrets and whether a ferret is the right pet for your family.
Selecting a pet rabbit
Learn about rabbits to determine if a rabbit is the right pet for your family.
Selecting a pet reptile
Reptiles may require less daily care and exercise than many other pets, but they require special skills and careful attention to diet, handling and…
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
Idaho finds plague in domestic cats
The Idaho Division of Public Health identified Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague, in six domestic cats in mid-2016.
JAVMA news
Outbreak of Seoul virus in humans linked to pet rats
An outbreak of Seoul virus linked to pet rats had infected at least 13 people as of Feb. 15.
JAVMA news
California might ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits
California could be the first state to ban the retail sale of dogs and cats, along with rabbits, following in the footsteps of cities across the…