One Health Heroes, Sept 1, 2025: Public Health Under Fire

In this episode of Your Vet Wants You to Know, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti is joined again by Dr. Mandy Sorenson, communications specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV), to discuss the latest developments affecting science, public health, and One Health initiatives.

Key Points for Listeners

1. Supreme Court Ruling on NIH Grants

   • A temporary emergency stay from the U.S. Supreme Court has blocked reinstatement of $800 million in canceled NIH grants, many tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and health equity research.

2. mRNA Vaccine Contracts Canceled

   • Following cancellation of Moderna's avian influenza (H5N1) mRNA vaccine contract, a total of 22 mRNA vaccine development contracts have now been terminated.

3. Screwworm Threat at the U.S. Border

   • A recent travel-associated case of screwworm was reported in Maryland, while outbreaks continue spreading north from Central America.

   • USDA is scaling up surveillance with sterile fly releases, tick riders, and the Beagle Brigade.

4. Violence Against Public Health Workers

   • On August 8th, an armed individual motivated by COVID-19 vaccine misinformation opened fire at the CDC campus in Atlanta, killing Officer David Rose.

   • Hundreds of current and former HHS employees have since signed a letter condemning leadership rhetoric that undermines trust in science.

   • Former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has released a powerful statement.

5. One Health Clinic Model

   • Highlighted as this episode's Scratching the Itch: The One Health Clinic in Seattle provides coordinated healthcare for underserved communities and their pets.

6. Get Involved & Stay Informed

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

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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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