Language supported by the AVMA in new legislation will coordinate federal activities aimed at combating zoonotic disease outbreaks. The measure was among other provisions relevant to animal health that Congress passed before the end of the 2022.

From a scourge and an enemy to be beaten, to a wake-up call and an opportunity to build back better, the COVID-19 pandemic has been called many things. Those working in the public health, animal health, and environment sectors agree on this: As we build back better post-pandemic, we must step up One Health efforts to better prepare for and respond to outbreaks of zoonotic diseases. 

The American Veterinary Medical Association has a plan to control the transmission of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19 from animals to humans. To succeed — and to thrive — we need to renegotiate our relationship with all other species.