One Health Heroes: Dr. Joseph Annelli on Ethics, Avian Influenza, and Federal Preparedness
Release Date: 08/15/2025
One Health Heroes, Feb 1, 2026: Cold Weather Tips, WHO Departure, Vaccine Recommendations, Disease Surveillance
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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Mission RENAL 5: Varenzin™-CA 1 for Non-Regenerative Anemia in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Your 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...
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One Health Heroes, Jan 15, 2026: Forever Chemicals, One Health Month and Good News
Your 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...
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Mission RENAL 4: Medications for Pets with Chronic Kidney Disease
Your 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...
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One Health Heroes, Jan 1, 2026: Rabies in Chicago, One Health Month, Avian Influenza in Dogs and Cats
Your 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...
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Mission RENAL 3: Home Care for Pets with Chronic Kidney Disease
Your 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...
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One Health Heroes, Dec 15, 2025: Pet Vaccine Hesitancy, Rabies in an Organ Donor, H5N1 and Elephant Seals
Your 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...
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Mission RENAL 2: Testing and Staging Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets
Your 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...
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One Health Heroes, December 1, 2025: Holiday Food and Safety Tips, H5N5 Human Case, New World Screwworm
Your 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...
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Mission RENAL 1: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets
Your 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_outlineIn this episode of Your Vet Wants You to Know – One Health Heroes, Dr. Joseph Annelli, a distinguished public health veterinarian and former USDA leader, provides deep insight into the ethical foundations of public health decision-making, the risks posed by avian influenza, and the impact of recent federal policy changes on One Health preparedness. With over three decades of experience in animal health, biosecurity, and pandemic planning, Dr. Annelli offers an unflinching look at where the U.S. stands—and where it desperately needs to go.
Highlights Include:
- Ethics in One Health Decision-Making: Effective public health policy must balance the impacts on people, animals, and the environment.
- Learn more about the One Health approach: CDC One Health
- Avian Influenza Risks and mRNA Vaccine Preparedness: The decision to cancel federal contracts for H5N1 mRNA vaccine production is a short-sighted move that could cripple rapid response in a pandemic scenario.
- Background on current H5N1 status: CDC Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary
- Federal Vaccine Policy Shifts: The recent restructuring of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) raises concerns about a more opinion-based approach instead of a scientific-based approach to vaccines.
- Information on ACIP’s role: CDC ACIP Overview
- Workforce Reductions and Biosecurity Threats: USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has lost 15–20% of its veterinary workforce, threatening the ability to respond to ongoing outbreaks such as H5N1, African swine fever, and screw worm.
- Learn more about APHIS programs: USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
- Legislative Path Forward - The One Health Security Act: Dr. Annelli urges Congress to reintroduce and pass the One Health Security Act to centralize pandemic preparedness funding and coordination.
- Learn more about the One Heath Security Act.
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