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.
JAVMA news
Global influenza laboratory on the horizon
Worldwide, the flu kills between 500,000 and one million people per year
JAVMA news
Can veterinarians prevent the next pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic marks the third novel coronavirus outbreak of the 21st century. Unlike the viruses that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome…
JAVMA news
Though COVID-19 cases rare in pets, testing is available
Veterinarians can test for the COVID-19 virus in animals, but whether and when they should still remain issues. At press time in late April, only a…
JAVMA news
Once ‘over there,’ Ebola now here
Although the Ebola outbreak is being managed as a public health problem, the virus is a zoonotic pathogen, stoking fears that animals exposed to…
JAVMA news
Preventing diseases associated with animals in public settings
The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians has published the Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated
JAVMA news
Drug-resistant Staphylococcus cause for concern in veterinary medicine
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a troublesome pathogen in human medicine, and now the bacteria appear to
JAVMA news
Salmonella outbreaks connected with ducklings, chicks
About 70 illnesses have been reported in connection with two Salmonella outbreaks associated with chicks and ducklings, federal
JAVMA news
GHLIT urges veterinarians to protect their eyes
From blood and other bodily fluids to liquid and aerosol chemicals to infectious disease agents—not to mention unpredictable animal…
JAVMA news
Busy times, stress for veterinarians during pandemic
The AVMA House of Delegates discussed how busy their practices are now, concerns they have for keeping themselves and their staff healthy, how to…
JAVMA news
State, local public health veterinarians work long hours to protect the public
Public health veterinarians describe shifting this year from protecting against familiar local threats to managing broad health care and education…
JAVMA news
Enjoy cuddly moments, with caution against disease risks
Agritourism is a growing business, and state and local fairs attract millions of guests. The public’s interactions with livestock and other animals…
AVMA news
USDA starts highly pathogenic avian influenza vaccine trials
In April, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began testing the efficacy of four vaccines against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).…
JAVMA news
Permits needed to import dogs not vaccinated against rabies
Owners of dogs without proof of rabies vaccination will need to apply ahead of time to import those dogs from countries where rabies is endemic in…
JAVMA news
Surveillance, diagnostics unaffected by lab closures
The federal laboratory closures will not affect surveillance or diagnostic reference testing.
JAVMA news
Raw food policy draws debate
A new AVMA policy discourages people from feeding raw or unprocessed meats and other animal products to cats and dogs.
JAVMA news
Global project aims to identify viral threats
A 10-year virus identification project starting this year could identify most viruses with potential to cause disease in humans.
JAVMA news
Cull sheds light on CWD, test sought for detection in live animals
About 17% of white-tailed deer tested suspect or positive for chronic wasting disease during a recent hunt in southwest Montana. The U.S. Department…
blog
COVID-19: Resources for shelters, food animal veterinarians
Two new AVMA resources provide practical guidance for animal shelter personnel and food animal veterinarians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
JAVMA news
CDC warns of flawed rabies certificates
Federal officials have warned that the U.S. could be seeing an increasing number of dogs entering the country without proper rabies vaccination.
JAVMA news
Local action can reduce global threat
Dr. Andrew Clark said antimicrobial resistance is a global problem of increasing severity.
JAVMA news
Human-to-animal COVID-19 spread not common
Positive test results for the COVID-19 virus in a small number of animals have drawn a large amount of attention. Still, current evidence indicates…
JAVMA news
Chicago responds to canine influenza
Both dogs were among the victims of an outbreak of canine influenza ongoing as of late April in the Chicago area.
JAVMA news
Wildlife, trade, susceptibility amplify food risks
Domestic and wild sources of food, along with global trade, carry microbial risks to humans, and global health professionals are trying to
JAVMA news
Prairie dogs have a new plague vaccine
A new oral vaccine bait can help protect prairie dogs against sylvatic plague and possibly assist in the recovery of black-footed ferrets, one of the…