The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has launched a new public service campaign to inform consumers about steps they can take to protect family and pets from zoonotic diseases. These diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as leptospirosis and rabies, or affect both people and pets, like Lyme disease and giardia. The campaign is funded by an educational grant from Fort Dodge Animal Health.
“Zoonotic Diseases: The Shared Threat” depicts typical, playful and affectionate interactions between family members and pets while raising awareness that people and pets can share other things as well – like disease. The campaign’s television and radio public service announcements (PSA) explain how pet owners can reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases through education and twice-a-year pet wellness exams from their veterinarian.
The television PSA spots were filmed at Village Veterinary Hospital in Canastota, New York. The hospital is owned by AVMA member Dr. Kerry Brown and his wife, Nickolette Brown, LVT. Appearing in the PSA are hospital veterinarian and AVMA member Dr. John Endres, his daughter, Kiersten, and her cat, Tiger, and Karen Dohrn, LVT, with her cat, Cosmo.
To view the PSA, click here. You must have Windows Media Player to view this video.