One Health Heroes, August 1, 2025: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Upheaval
Release Date: 08/01/2025
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...
info_outlineYour Vet Wants You to Know
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...
info_outlineYour Vet Wants You to Know
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...
info_outlineYour Vet Wants You to Know
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...
info_outlineYour Vet Wants You to Know
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...
info_outlineYour Vet Wants You to Know
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...
info_outlineYour Vet Wants You to Know
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...
info_outlineYour Vet Wants You to Know
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...
info_outlineYour Vet Wants You to Know
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...
info_outlineYour Vet Wants You to Know
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_outlineOne Health Heroes returns to explore dramatic changes in federal vaccine policy, including the complete dismissal and replacement of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). In this episode, we break down what the ACIP does, why the changes matter, and how the new leadership under HHS Secretary RFK Jr. is impacting access to life-saving vaccines—including the COVID-19 and flu vaccines—for Americans of all ages. We also discuss how veterinary professionals can advocate for science and public health in their communities.
Have you been personally impacted by federal changes? Share your story at info@yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com
🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
-
What the ACIP Is and Why It Matters
Learn how the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) shapes vaccine recommendations, access, and insurance coverage across the U.S.
→ CDC ACIP Overview -
Why Experts Are Sounding the Alarm Over ACIP Changes
Understand the public health consequences of dismissing the full ACIP panel and replacing them with underqualified, vaccine-skeptical members known for spreading vaccine disinformation. -
How Federal Vaccine Policy Changes Are Affecting Pregnant Women
Discover how RFK Jr.’s rejection of ACIP’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for pregnant women has triggered legal action.
→ Read about the lawsuit via Infectious Diseases Society of America -
Why a Preservative Ban Could Hurt Access in Vulnerable Communities
A vote to remove thimerosal from flu vaccines could make them less accessible in low-income and global communities, despite decades of safety data.
→ FDA: Thimerosal in Vaccines -
What's Next for State-Level Vaccine Policy and Science-Based Advocacy
With 600+ state laws depending on ACIP guidance, learn how states and insurers are adapting—and how you can use resources like the Vaccine Integrity Project.
→ Vaccine Integrity Project – University of Minnesota CIDRAP
Veterinary professionals can sign up to become a member of the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians.
Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet
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.
Connect with Your Vet!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow