In this episode of Your Vet Wants You to Know: One Health Heroes, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti welcomes back Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communications specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV) to discuss urgent updates on screwworm, the ongoing avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks, food safety risks with raw pet diets, and recent vaccine policy changes at the federal level.

This conversation highlights why veterinarians, healthcare providers, and pet owners must stay vigilant and informed as these One Health challenges evolve.

• Screwworm approaching the U.S. border: Detected just 70 miles south of the U.S.–Mexico border, raising concerns for livestock, wildlife, and even companion animals.

• Avian influenza cases rising: Nearly 600,000 birds affected in the last 30 days, with confirmed infections in poultry and dairy cattle. Heightened vigilance is essential for both producers and pet owners.

• Mutations & reassortment risks: Every new infection is another chance for the virus to mutate. Seasonal flu vaccination in people can reduce the risk of co-infections that fuel reassortment.

• Raw food diets pose real risks: A new peer-reviewed study published in Communications Biology confirms that harmful, and often drug-resistant, bacteria were cultured only from raw diets—not from kibble. Freeze-dried products may also be raw, even if not labeled.

• Policy and vaccine updates: New members appointed to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), raising concerns about future recommendations. Families are urged to consult trusted pediatricians and physicians directly.

• Scratching the Itch: The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has released new One Health Guidelines to help veterinary teams apply cross-disciplinary principles in practice.

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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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Are you struggling to figure out what’s causing your dog’s itchy skin, upset stomach, or constant scratching? In this episode, we cover the 3 most common mistakes pet owners make when trying to find dog food allergies — and what you should do instead. From grain-free diets to cutting chicken from your dog’s meals, and even relying too heavily on blood tests, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and real veterinary advice so you can finally get answers for your pup.

Resources & Links:

• Episode page with video: Top Mistakes with Food Allergies in Pets

• Find a veterinary dermatologist near you: Specialist Search Here

• Veterinary Skin and Ear (Los Angeles): Schedule Your Consult

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. Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Connect with Your Vet!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communications specialist for the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians joins to discuss the latest updates on avian influenza, raw food recalls, public health challenges, and the shifting landscape at the CDC.

1. Avian Influenza Outbreaks Continue

   • Recent confirmed cases: turkey farms in North & South Dakota and a dairy herd in Texas.

   • Poultry depopulation is still the main response; cattle recover but with significant economic loss.

2. Companion Animal Cases Linked to Raw Diets

   • A cat was euthanized after contracting avian influenza from contaminated RAWR raw pet food (voluntary recall issued).

   • Another raw food brand linked to E. coli infection in a dog and a child, leading to hemolytic uremic syndrome.

3. FDA Recall Alerts Available

   • Pet owners can sign up for FDA email alerts to track recalls of pet food, treats, and veterinary products.

4. CDC Leadership Shakeup

   • CDC Director dismissed after refusing to “rubber stamp” unscientific directives.

   • Four additional senior leaders resigned, raising concern over the integrity of U.S. public health guidance.

5. West Coast Health Alliance Formed

   • California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii announced the West Coast Health Alliance, pledging to ground vaccine and health policy decisions in evidence-based science.

6. Small Legal Win for Science (Scratching the Itch)

   • A recent lawsuit required the federal government to restore public health websites previously taken down, improving access to evidence-based information.

7. Get Involved & Stay Informed

   • Veterinarians are all One Health veterinarians. Stay updated with policy, research, and public health developments through AAFSPHV.

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