One 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 [email protected]

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

In this first episode of Your Vet in the Wild, join Dr. Brittany Lancellotti as she takes you on a fun and informative journey to Peru to learn all about alpacas! Questions submitted by little listeners will be answered about their unique physical traits to their important role in the Peruvian culture. This episode is filled with fascinating facts, common misconceptions, and a closer look at how alpacas are cared for in the Andes. Plus, we’ll share fun tidbits that kids will love about these gentle, social animals!

• 📸Episode page with blog post and images

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The key differences between alpacas and llamas, and how to tell them apart

• Insights into alpaca husbandry and medical care, including their diet, living conditions, and common health concerns

• The economic importance of alpacas in Peru, including how their wool is a key export and a source of income for rural farmers

• Common misconceptions about alpacas (spoiler: they don’t spit at humans as often as people think!)

• Fun facts for kids about alpacas, including their unique sounds and playful behaviors.

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!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourVetWantsYoutoKnow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

There have been alarming cuts to public health research funding at both the federal and state levels. In this powerful episode, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti is joined again by Dr. Mandy Sorenson from the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians. Together, they unpack the far-reaching consequences on scientific progress, and share what you can do to support public health professionals, veterinarians, and the scientific community.

What listeners will learn:

1. Why NIH cut over 2,000 research grants and $10 billion in funding. Understand the scope and impact of funding being canceled—including projects on health equity, Alzheimer’s, and vaccine research.

2. How these cuts impact veterinarians and public health Explore the concept of brain drain, the loss of generational scientific mentorship, and how state programs are losing critical disease surveillance funds.

3. The largest measles outbreak in the U.S. since 2000 Find out how vaccine hesitancy and the loss of public health infrastructure are contributing to the reemergence of preventable diseases.

4. How veterinarians can advocate for One Health Learn how you can get involved, share your story, and educate your clients about the value of public health and science-driven medicine.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV) Join or subscribe to their bi-monthly newsletter
• NIH will resinstate 900 grants in response to court order
• Federal District Court Strikes Down NIH's Unlawful Directives That Led to the Elimination of Critical Research
• The Bethesda Declaration: A Call for NIH and HHS Leadership to Deliver on Promises of Academic Freedom and Scientific Excellence
• American Public Health Association Press Release: For Our Health warns the proposed HHS budget cuts put Americans at risk
• Trump Administration Slashes Pledged Funding that Would Protect Illinoisans
• Measles Cases and Outbreaks
• Have you been affected by funding cuts or cancellation of grants/research? Send your story to [email protected]  Audio and video encouraged. 

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

Planning to travel with dogs? Whether you’re hitting the road or taking to the skies, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti shares her top tips for keeping your pet safe, calm, and comfortable during travel from professional to personal experience. From choosing the right gear to navigating hotels and airports, this episode is your go-to guide for vet-approved vacation planning.

• 🧳 How to decide if your pet is ready to travel or better off at home

• 🚘 Road trip safety essentials and potty break tips

• 🏨 How to be a gracious guest at pet-friendly hotels or rentals

• ✈️ How to safely fly with your pet without turning it into a midair meltdown (seriously, the smush-faced breeds - I'm looking at you Frenchies - get too hot!).

• 📋 The ultimate pet travel checklist (spoiler: bring the slobbery toy)

Links to recommended affiliate products and services:

• Sleepypod travel harnesses 

• Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier 

• Ruffwear harnesses and Ruffwear lifejackets 

• Furbo Dog Camera for safety monitoring at home and away

• Trusted Housesitters if you decide to leave them home or to find petsitting opportunities while you travel

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

As summer heat arrives, so do the bugs—and the dangers they carry. In this One Health Heroes update, Dr. Sorenson kicks us off with breaking news on avian influenza and screwworm control, then Dr. Rothfeldt walks us through the full spectrum of mosquito-borne threats—from West Nile to emerging Oropouche virus—and shows why protecting people and pets must go hand-in-hand.

🌎 What you'll learn in this episode:

• The latest updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and USDA vaccine proposals

• A breakdown of the USDA’s 5-pronged strategy to stop Screwworm at the border

• How the sterile fly technique is being used to protect livestock and wildlife

• Why West Nile virus, EEE, Cache Valley virus, and other mosquito-transmitted threats are a growing concern across the U.S.

• The impact of global dengue outbreaks on local transmission risks in places like Florida, Arizona, and California

• A look at the emerging Oropouche virus and its parallels to Zika

• The critical importance of heartworm prevention for pets—especially in high-risk areas

• Tips for protecting yourself and your pets from mosquito bites this summer

• 🐛 Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG) Learn about the sterile fly technique and eradication efforts: https://www.copeg.org/en/produccion/

• 🦟 CDC Vector-Borne Disease Overview Detailed information on mosquito-borne viruses in the U.S.: https://www.cdc.gov/vector-borne-diseases/index.html

• 💉 USDA HPAI Vaccine Strategy (coverage via Reuters) https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/usda-develops-potential-plan-vaccinate-poultry-bird-flu-2025-06-20/

• 🧪 CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Council) – for veterinary parasite prevention guidance: https://www.capcvet.org

• 🧑‍⚕️ CDC ZOHU Calls (Zoonoses & One Health Updates for Veterinarians) Free monthly CE webinars, Listserv https://www.cdc.gov/one-health/php/zohu/index.html#:~:text=Zoonoses%20%26%20One%20Health%20Updates%20(ZOHU)%20Calls%20are%20one%2D,animal%2Dhuman%2Denvironment%20interface.

• 🧫 American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV) Join or subscribe to their bi-monthly newsletter: https://www.aafsphv.org

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

Summer travel plans don’t always include our furry companions—and that’s okay! In this episode, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, shares expert advice to help you prepare your pet for your absence and ensure they’re cared for with compassion and reliability. Whether you're considering a pet sitter, boarding facility, or a combination of both, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to reduce stress for both you and your pets.

• 🐶 How to choose the best care option for your pet’s personality—boarding, in-home sitter, or hybrid

• 🧘 Ways to ease your pet’s anxiety while you’re gone, including calming aids and routine tips

• 📋 What to include in a pet sitter care plan—feeding, meds, quirks, emergency info & more

• 🎥 How tech tools can keep you connected during your trip

• 🧼 What makes a great boarding facility and how to spot red flags

• 🏡 How to prep your home and pet before you head out for a guilt-free getaway

📌 Mentioned in this episode (Affiliate Links):

• 🐾 Trusted Housesitters – Find trusted pet sitters near you

• 🎥 Furbo Dog Camera - Watch and give your pets treats while you are away!

  • 1. Furbo 360° Dog Camera and Furbo 360° Cat Camera  - ONLY $44 during Prime Day for the model that requires a subscription to unlock OR $129 without a subscription. Regularly priced $210. 

    2. Furbo Mini - ONLY $25 during Prime Day for the model that requires a subscription to unlock OR $59 without a subscription. Regularly priced at $99. 

  • Use code FURBOVIP starting June 26th!

• 🐕 ThunderEase Pheromone Diffuser for Calming Dogs

• 🐈 Feliway Pheromone Diffuser for Calming Cats

In a new episode of One Health Heroes, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti is joined by Dr. Mandy Sorenson, communications specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians. Together, they break down the latest developments in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), tularemia risks in pets and people, and how public health veterinary professionals are vital in protecting animal and human populations.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1. Massive Avian Flu Outbreak in Arizona:

   • A large commercial egg facility lost 6 million birds, prompting renewed discussions around poultry vaccination for HPAI.

   • Trade implications and vaccine limitations are major hurdles to widespread use. Learn more: USDA announces $100M funding opportunity in fight against avian influenza

2. H5N1 Persistence in Raw Milk:

   • H5N1 remains infectious in raw milk for up to a week under refrigeration.

   • Pasteurization is a critical safety measure for both humans and pets.

   • Read more: CDC on Raw Milk Risks

3. Emerging Threat: Tularemia

   • Zoonotic bacterial disease spread by ticks, flies, and contact with infected animals.

   • Most common in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, but reportable nationwide.

   • Tick prevention is essential for both pets and people.

   • View the: CAPC tick prevalence maps

4. USDA Workforce Reductions May Impact Outbreak Response:

   • Loss of ~1,300 USDA-APHIS employees may slow outbreak detection and genotyping capabilities.

   • Agencies are still working hard to monitor multiple diseases including screwworm and tularemia.

5. Scratching the Itch: Rapid Cage-Side Avian Flu Test

   • Purdue researchers developed a rapid test for avian influenza using a water bath and paper strip.

   • Promises quicker diagnosis, isolation, and containment. New assay offers way to combat the treat of HPAI

   •  

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

West Highland White Terriers (Westies) present unique challenges when managing their allergies. In this episode, board certified veterinary dermatologist and devoted Westie owner Dr. Valerie Fadok joins to allergic skin and ear disease in these little dogs with big personalities. Dr. Fadok shares her expertise and personal stories to help pet owners better understand and manage this frustrating condition in this specific breed.

Key Takeaways:

• Westies are genetically predisposed to atopic dermatitis and can show signs of allergies early in life.

• Common signs include persistent itchiness, greasy or scaly skin, frequent secondary infections, hair loss, and chronic ear infections.

• Early diagnosis and management are critical to avoid progression to severe, chronic skin changes. Treatment plans may include medications, regular bathing, immunotherapy, and collaboration with a veterinary dermatologist.

• Flea allergy dermatitis is a common trigger—preventative flea control is non-negotiable, even if fleas aren't seen.

• Food allergies affect approximately 50% of allergic Westies; an elimination diet trial with a prescription or elemental diet is the gold standard for diagnosis. Owners should avoid unreliable internet food allergy tests like hair or saliva testing.

• The Westie Foundation of America provides excellent breed-specific resources and funds research to improve Westie health.

Resources:

• 📸Episode page with blog post and images

• 📘 Westie Foundation of America Health Book (Free Download)

• 🔬 Find a Veterinary Dermatologist Near You

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

In this One Health Heroes episode, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti welcomes back Dr. Mandy Sorensen of the AAFSPHV and features special guest Dr. Laura Rothfeldt, Arkansas’s State Public Health Veterinarian. They explore the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health through updates on avian influenza, screwworm prevention, parasite forecasts, and a deep dive into the mysterious and growing condition: Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Learn how veterinarians, physicians, and public health officials are collaborating on tick-borne disease surveillance and how you can protect your pets—and yourself.

Resources & Links:

• 🐾 American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV)

• 🐛 CAPC 2025 Parasite Forecast Maps

• 🦠 CDC: Alpha-Gal Syndrome Info

• 🦢 Cornell Wildlife Health Lab: Avian Influenza Tracking

• 🐕 Learn more about Alpha-Gal Alert Dogs

In this follow-up to our acute kidney injury (AKI) episode, Dr. Simona Buoncompagni returns to explain how hemodialysis works in pets and when it can be used to save lives. Learn the differences between IV fluids and dialysis, the conditions that make a pet a good candidate, and what to expect during treatment. We also explore other extracorporeal therapies like hemoperfusion and plasma exchange.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What hemodialysis is and how it mimics kidney function

• When your veterinarian might recommend dialysis

• How extracorporeal therapies help pets recover from toxins or immune disease

• What the treatment process looks like (feeding tubes, sedation, session length)

• Prognosis, risks, and recovery

• How these tools are expanding what's possible in veterinary medicine

Links & Resources:

• 📍Episode page with blog post

• 📍 LeadER Specialty Hospital – Boca Raton & Cooper City

• 📍 Find a Specialist Near You

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