Information for Veterinarians

For information and guidance related to animals and COVID-19, visit COVID-19 Pets and Other Animals.

Veterinarians should be aware of the risk for zoonotic diseases in pets, farm animals, and wildlife, as well as the risk of diseases spreading between animals and their owners. Veterinarians should counsel clients on disease prevention practices, including how to stay safe and healthy around pets and other animals. The following resources include current guidelines on specific zoonotic disease topics, educational resources, and references to disease-specific information.

Zoonoses & One Health Updates (ZOHU) Calls are one-hour monthly webinars that provide timely education on zoonotic and infectious diseases, One Health, and related health threats at the human- animal-environment interface. Earn free Continuing Education with ZOHU Calls.

Guidelines and Recommendations

Compendium of Measures to Prevent Zoonotic Diseases Associated with Non-Traditional Pets
Veterinary Safety and Health (The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2017 (National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians)
Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2016 (National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians)
Compendium of Measures to Control Chlamydia psittaci Infection Among Humans (Psittacosis) and Pet Birds (Avian Chlamydiosis), 2017 (National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians)
Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel (National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians)
Antimicrobial Use in Companion Animal Practice (American Veterinary Medical Association)
State Rabies Vaccination Laws (American Veterinary Medical Association)
Guidelines for Safe Work Practices in Human and Animal Medical Diagnostic Laboratories [PDF – 105 pages]

Disease-Specific Resources

See a full list of diseases that can affect pets and people.

See resources specific to certain animals.

CDC offers information for veterinarians on several common zoonotic infections that can spread between animals and people. For details regarding vaccination, treatment, testing, and other topics, please visit the disease-specific pages for veterinarians listed below.

Zoonotic Disease Outbreak Information

In addition to disease-specific information, CDC provides a list of current and recent US outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, including information for veterinarians regarding these outbreaks.

CDC Expert Commentaries

Animal Lovers and Zoonotic Diseases: 5 Things to Know
Anyone who comes in contact with animals is at risk for zoonotic diseases.
5 Hidden Dangers in International Travel
Travel to far-flung, global locations is growing in popularity. Prepare your clients for safe and healthy international travel with these five things to remember.
Rabies Risk Assessment
Challenge yourself with these cases that illustrate key rabies prevention and treatment situations. Would you know what to do?
Illnesses Linked to Contact with Pets and Farm Animals
In this slideshow, CDC reviews outbreaks of enteric diseases linked to contact with animals.
Pet Turtles Can Make People Sick: Guidance for Clinicians
Many people keep small turtles as pets, not realizing that they can cause disease.
Pets Can Make People Sick
Which furry (and not furry) friends are most likely to transmit infection to humans? Share these precautions with your pet-loving patients.
Neglected Infections of Poverty – Toxocariasis
Learn about a disease associated with poverty, low education levels, and dog ownership.