One Health Heroes, Jan 1, 2026: Rabies in Chicago, One Health Month, Avian Influenza in Dogs and Cats

In this One Health Heroes update, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communication specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians, discusses:

• ​Avian influenza remains a global One Health threat, with over 800,000 poultry cases in the past 30 days and new spillover events from wild birds into dairy cattle, creating opportunities for viral adaptation.
• ​Companion animals are at risk through wildlife exposure, as seen in fatal avian influenza cases involving kittens in Europe and a dog in Canada after ingesting infected birds.
• ​A rabies-positive dog in Chicago highlights rabies' long incubation period, raising critical questions about timing of exposure versus vaccination and reinforcing why rabies surveillance and prevention remains essential.
• ​Moderna secured $54 million in funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to put toward its experimental avian influenza mRNA vaccine for humans, and must reserve 20% of its production capacity for low and middle income countries.
• January is One Health Month, offering opportunities for veterinarians, pet owners, and the public to engage in education, advocacy, and collaboration to protect people, animals, and the environment.

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