A Primer on how to track and monitor important pet disease trends
February 2024
Next In Line, is dedicated to providing up-to-date and comprehensive information on pet health, delivers valuable resources through its various platforms. These resources are designed to keep pet owners informed about health issues that may affect their dogs and cats, focusing on diseases spread by vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.
One of the key offerings from Next In Line is their version of the “Healthy Pets, Healthy People” newsletter. Originally developed by the CDC, this newsletter, as curated by Next In Line, provides a wealth of information on how to stay healthy around pets and other animals. It covers a wide range of topics relevant to pet health and safety, such as adopting pets from other countries, avoiding diseases like Salmonella and Cat Scratch Disease, and safely interacting with farm animals and wildlife. It also offers guidance on protecting pets during natural disasters and other emergencies. Along with the CDC the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): Offers extensive information on animal health, including disease outbreaks, preventive measures, and regulations aimed at protecting animal and public health. Visit USDA APHIS
Pet owners and veterinary professionals can also navigate to the Pet Disease Alerts website. This platform, initially established by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), focuses on alerting pet owners to the threat of diseases in dogs and cats, particularly those transmitted by vectors. Pet Disease Alerts provides real-time alerts on disease outbreaks in specific areas, helping pet owners to take proactive measures. The site includes forecast maps for diseases such as heartworm, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, and provides updates on flea activity across the United States.
Another resource is the Companion Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (CAVSNET), a U.S.-based network set up by veterinarians at the University of Minnesota. CAVSNET records outbreaks and disease trends in small animals and horses, collecting data from vet clinics across the U.S. This network aims to track disease trends, identify at-risk animal populations, and contribute to veterinary research. One of its key projects is evaluating antibiotic use in common diseases in cats and dogs.
Next In Line also emphasizes the resources and guidelines provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), particularly in the context of SARS-CoV-2 in animals. The AVMA offers precautionary measures for veterinarians and pet owners, underscoring the need for planning pet care in case of infection and highlighting the role of pets in public health.
Through these resources, Next In Line aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various health issues affecting pets. This helps veterinary professionals and pet owners stay informed and take necessary precautions for their pets’ well-being, including monitoring pet disease migration and how to prepare for travel with your pet. Please reach out or schedule a demo anytime to discuss!
Next In Line
Baltimore, MD
February 2024