One Health Heroes, June 15, 2025: Avian Influenza and vaccines, Tularemia, Screwworm, and the Power of Prevention
Release Date: 06/15/2025
Your Vet Wants You to Know
In this episode, Dr. Mandy Sorensen reviews major One Health updates, including a sharp rise in avian influenza cases, ongoing concerns about New World Screwworm, and important winter safety risks for pets. The conversation highlights the scale of recent poultry losses and spillover risks to mammals, including pets. New conditional treatment options for screwworm in dogs are approved, but early recognition and reporting are crucial. The episode closes with reflections on global disease surveillance through the WHO, collaboration, and encouraging developments in public health leadership from...
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In Part 5 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, joins to discuss non-regenerative anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease and introduce Varenzin™-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension), the first FDA conditionally approved oral treatment for this condition. They explain why non-regenerative anemia matters, how it affects quality of life, and how this innovative medication works differently from older therapies. Sponsored by Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney...
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January is One Health Month and we are highlighting opportunities for education, career exploration, and collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health. This episode provides updates on ongoing One Health threats, including avian influenza, New World Screwworm, and wildlife rabies, with practical guidance for veterinarians and the public. A major focus of the discussion introduces PFAS (“forever chemicals”), explaining what they are, why they matter for One Health, and how environmental contamination can impact both human and animal health. The episode closes on an...
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In Part 4 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, joins to explain treatments for hypertension, proteinuria, high phosphorus, and anemia; how IRIS staging affects prognosis; and how to maintain quality of life as CKD progresses. Sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. How medications support kidney health in pets with CKD Why treating anemia, hypertension, and proteinuria slows disease progression How phosphate binders and...
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In this One Health Heroes update, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communication specialist with the , discusses: ​, with over 800,000 poultry cases in the past 30 days and new spillover events from wild birds into dairy cattle, creating opportunities for viral adaptation. ​, as seen in fatal avian influenza cases involving kittens in Europe and a dog in Canada after ingesting infected birds. , raising critical questions about timing of exposure versus vaccination and reinforcing why rabies surveillance and prevention remains essential. to put toward its experimental avian influenza mRNA vaccine for...
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In Part 3 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, joins to explain ways cat and dog owners can help support their pet with chronic kidney disease at home through nutrition, hydration, and monitoring. Sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. Prescription renal diets significantly improve survival and quality of life. Encourage hydration through food, fountains, and flavor additives. Subcutaneous fluids should be reserved for...
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In this One Health Heroes update, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communication specialist with the , discusses: ​., affecting wild birds, backyard flocks, commercial poultry, and even dairy herds, underscoring the need for continued surveillance and reporting. ​, with avian influenza linked to , highlighting the broader biodiversity consequences of emerging diseases. ​, with studies estimating hesitancy in ~21% of dog owners and ~25% of cat owners, . ​ but preventable disease, with recent cases illustrating how small (including can lead to tragic outcomes in both animals and humans. Canine...
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In Part 2 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, joins to explain how veterinarians interpret blood and urine tests to diagnose kidney disease, what IRIS staging means, and the importance of individualized treatment plans. Sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. Key Takeaways: Blood and urine tests together give the most accurate picture of kidney health. IRIS staging helps veterinarians guide treatment but doesn’t define your...
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In this One Health Heroes update, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communication specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians, discusses: The , how this strain affecting poultry, wild birds, and cattle, and why mutations remain a growing public health concern. An update on New World Screwworm, including and ongoing federal surveillance efforts near the southern U.S. border. , focusing on preventing food-borne illness, , , and . Pet owners and veterinary professionals, sign up for our newsletter here: Veterinarians are invited to join the . Help support...
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In Part 1 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, joins to explain the difference between Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and CKD, why many CKD cases have no single cause, the early warning signs and why these signs happen, the power of early screening to slow progression, and how staging CKD guides individualized care. CKD is irreversible but manageable—early detection matters. PU/PD (peeing/drinking more) is often the first clue; appetite changes are common. Pets can act normal with substantial kidney function loss—don’t wait on labs. Wellness...
info_outlineIn a new episode of One Health Heroes, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti is joined by Dr. Mandy Sorenson, communications specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians. Together, they break down the latest developments in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), tularemia risks in pets and people, and how public health veterinary professionals are vital in protecting animal and human populations.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
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Massive Avian Flu Outbreak in Arizona:
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A large commercial egg facility lost 6 million birds, prompting renewed discussions around poultry vaccination for HPAI.
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Trade implications and vaccine limitations are major hurdles to widespread use. Learn more: USDA announces $100M funding opportunity in fight against avian influenza
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H5N1 Persistence in Raw Milk:
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H5N1 remains infectious in raw milk for up to a week under refrigeration.
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Pasteurization is a critical safety measure for both humans and pets.
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Read more: CDC on Raw Milk Risks
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Emerging Threat: Tularemia
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Zoonotic bacterial disease spread by ticks, flies, and contact with infected animals.
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Most common in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, but reportable nationwide.
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Tick prevention is essential for both pets and people.
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View the: CAPC tick prevalence maps
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USDA Workforce Reductions May Impact Outbreak Response:
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Loss of ~1,300 USDA-APHIS employees may slow outbreak detection and genotyping capabilities.
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Agencies are still working hard to monitor multiple diseases including screwworm and tularemia.
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Scratching the Itch: Rapid Cage-Side Avian Flu Test
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Purdue researchers developed a rapid test for avian influenza using a water bath and paper strip.
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Promises quicker diagnosis, isolation, and containment. New assay offers way to combat the treat of HPAI
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Our vision is for Your Vet Wants You to Know to be a resource for veterinarians to improve client communication by introducing a discussion about a common topic during the vet visit, then directing the client to a reliable source of engaging, understandable, and accessible information.
By doing so, we strive for:
1) increased pet health literacy among pet owners,
2) improved partnership between clients and the veterinary team,
3) improved medical outcomes for pets, and
4) improved quality of life and efficiency for veterinarians.
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