While the world is still focused on SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic, US animal health officials and poultry producers have been monitoring and taking action to prevent the spread of another highly pathogenic virus-Avian Influenza-from entering the country. As reported on the website of the Office of Epizooties (the World Organization for Animal
Zoonotic disease
A Cautionary Tale About COVID-19 and Animals
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
We have heard conflicting reports about the potential spread of COVID-19 to and from people and animals, and between animals. Many government and industry officials have stated that there is no evidence that dogs and cats can transmit the virus to humans. Yet, as discussed by veterinary pathologists in a recent paper, the “absence of…
New Jersey Bill, if passed, could expose veterinarians and others to rabies virus and other diseases
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
S3366 (Senator Stack) and identical bill A3684 (Assemblywomen Chaparro and McKnight) recently introduced bills that would expand the requirements of notification to animal owners before their animals were tested for rabies virus. Such measures could unreasonably delay testing that is required to ensure that other animals and humans were not exposed to rabies virus, a…