Summary:

  • VCA, proudly part of Mars Veterinary Health, and Antech aspire to collaborate at scale with One Health reporting organizations, envisioning a six-step framework for nationwide health initiatives
  • The pet health companies test framework via a large-scale study of humans and pets across the U.S., revealing COVID-19 transmission to pets with no signs of illness

LOS ANGELES – VCA Animal Hospitals, a leader in comprehensive veterinary services, and Antech, a leader in veterinary diagnostics, today published its Six-Step Framework for Companion Animal Public Health Collaboration, detailing how One Health organizations can integrate pets into a nationwide health response. This six-step framework outlines the necessary considerations and steps to quickly activate this response lever as part of public safety efforts. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between veterinary professionals, public health officials, and diagnostic experts to create a seamless and effective response system.

Prior to the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, approaches to understand the impacts of infectious disease outbreaks such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, on pets were limited and fragmented. A recent VCA study published in Viruses highlights the effectiveness of this new 6-step framework in action with VCA and Antech working together to implement rapid-response monitoring and disease detection protocols. This collaboration enabled swift identification and management of COVID-19 cases, demonstrating the potential of the framework to address a critical knowledge gap bridging human and pet health during an emerging public health pandemic.

“Traditionally, pets have largely been ignored in public health surveillance, but we want to change that,” said Anne Kimmerlein, DVM, MPVM, DACVPM, Veterinary Epidemiologist for VCA Animal Hospitals. “Thanks to the participation of our Associates and their pets, we were able to show the impact that the private veterinary sector can have when we come together to address an emerging public health threat. Based on that initial work, we’ve created a framework for continued and expanded One Health collaboration.”

The study involved a nationwide approach, focusing on households with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections in humans. Pets in these households were monitored for clinical signs consistent with SARS-CoV-2, and samples were collected for PCR and serological testing. The study included 747 dogs and 253 cats. The study highlighted the significance of being watchful of close human-animal contact and preventive measures to reduce transmission risks.

The results indicated that pets can contract SARS-CoV-2, primarily through close contact with infected humans. While most pets showed mild or no symptoms, the study nonetheless underscored the recommendation for preventive measures such as good hand hygiene around pets to minimize transmission risks. The findings also demonstrated the potential for pets to seroconvert and develop antibodies, indicating exposure to the virus.

“The results of this study show a significant step in advancing our understanding of how closely human and animal health are intertwined – and it was only possible through close collaboration between VCA and our team at Antech,” said Christian Leutenegger, Dr. Med. Vet., Ph.D., FHV, Vice President of R&D, Assay Development at Antech Diagnostics. “The research provides a blueprint for continued ongoing collaboration to examine other types of infectious diseases that could impact our pets.”

VCA and Antech's six-step framework for One Health collaboration sets a new standard for integrating pets into nationwide health responses. By fostering collaboration and leveraging advanced diagnostic tools, this approach helps deliver a swift and effective response to public health crises. The success of the COVID-19 study serves as a testament to the potential of this innovative strategy.

“Our commitment to One Health principles has never been stronger,” said Marie Kerl, DVM, MPH, MBA, DACVIM, DACVECC and Chief Medical Officer for VCA Animal Hospitals. “By integrating pets into our nationwide health response, we can ensure a more comprehensive approach to public safety and health.”

To learn more about this groundbreaking framework, visit “Six-Step Framework for Companion Animal Public Health Collaboration.”