Veterinary Public Health


Pet Health Calendar
Contact Information
Veterinary Public Health Program
313 N Figueroa St. Rm 1127
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel (213) 288-7060
Fax (213) 481-2375
vet@ph.lacounty.gov
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Los Angeles County
geese flying

chicken flock
Animal Health Update: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Detected in Wild and Domestic Mammals Worldwide  pdf icon1 4.11.2023

Press Release: First Eight Cases of Avian Flu Detected in Wild Birds in Los Angeles County; Risk of Transmission to Humans is Low 10.17.2022

HPAI Guidance for Animal Control, Shelter and Veterinary Facilities in Los Angeles County pdf icon56 10.27.2022

HPAI in Los Angeles County Flyer pdf icon56 |       en Español pdf icon56

Report sick or dead birds:
Members of the public can report sick or dead birds to Veterinary Public Health using this online reporting form.

Animal control/veterinary staff can report sick or dead birds using this form.

To protect birds, take down bird feeders and bird baths to reduce the spread of the virus.  Do not allow wild birds to have contact with domestic birds or poultry.

The risk to the general public's health from this H5N1 virus is low.

Read more about HPAI and other ways to protect birds here
Rabies
bat

Did you know?

As of April 28, 2023, three rabid bats have been found in Los Angeles County.

 

In 2022, fifty rabid bats were found in Los Angeles County. 

When was rabies first detected in Los Angeles County?
How many rabid animals did we have last year?
Click here to learn all about LA County rabies statistics.

Quick Tips and Rabies Educational Materials (to share with family, children and friends)

Consejos rápidos y materiales educativos sobre la rabia (para compartir con familiares, niños y amigos)

2022 Rabies Control & Animal Disease Reporting Manual
woman in scrubs taking notes
Remember that rabies-related incidents and animal diseases are reportable by law to the Department of Public Health. 

2022 Rabies Control and Animal Disease Reporting Manual for Veterinary Facilities in LA County

For more information about rabies control in Los Angeles County

For a list of reportable animal diseases in Los Angeles County Updated 2023

Reporting forms are located hereUpdated 2022

Please send completed forms to: vet@ph.lacounty.gov.

Questions? Call us at 213-288-7060.
One Health
one health boy with dog
One Health is the concept that human health is deeply connected to the health of animals and the environment which we all share. 

Examples of common One Health issues include: Diseases that can be transmitted between humans and animals, antibiotic-resistant germs, diseases from mosquitos and ticks, contamination of water, diseases in food animals, and the human-animal bond.

Click here to learn more about One Health issues both in Los Angeles County and globally.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) Detected in California
rabbit outside
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a lethal disease that was found in wild rabbits in California in May 2020.  RHD does not affect humans but is an important disease in both wild and pet rabbits.

A quarantine was recently put into effect to prevent rabbits and their products from being brought into the state. 

Click here for more information on RHD. 
Teaching Children about Pet Safety and Pet Health


parent and child holding dog
  It is very important to teach children how to safely interact with animals and to consider the health of both children and pets in the family.  Promoting responsible pet ownership and treating animals with compassion are the foundations for a successful relationship between children and pets. 

Click here for resources and activities that can be used to teach children about pet health and safety.  

Haga clic aquí para ver recursos y activadades que se pueden utilizar para enseñar a los niños sobre la salud y seguridad de las mascotas.
Pet Rescue and Disease Prevention

dog resting head on a fence
  In response to natural disasters and international events, animal rescue groups based in Los Angeles County have saved hundreds of animals. When bringing rescued pets into Los Angeles County, it is possible to unintentionally bring in disease as well. Learn more about how to prevent the spread of disease when rescuing pets. 9.21.2017
Tracking West Nile Virus in Dead Birds
  crow   Due to the department's emergency response to COVID-19, dead bird testing by VPH has been temporarily suspended as of March 2020.  3.5.2020

Please continue to report dead birds in Los Angeles County to the State of California's West Nile Virus program here or by calling 877-968-2473.

Watch this video to learn more about dead bird reporting.

In 2019, fifty-five birds tested positive for WNV in Los Angeles County. 2.14.2020

How to report dead birds in Los Angeles County
Cannabis & Pets



cannabis oil and plant
  California Guidelines for Veterinarian Discussion of Cannabis Effective January 1, 2020

In California, it is illegal to give cannabis or cannabis products to pets. There is currently very little research on the safety of cannabis pet products. Click here for more information on cannabis & pets. 10.16.2018

Please report cases of cannabis toxicity in pets to help us identify potentially poisonous products.

Cannabis Toxicity in Pets Reporting Form
Virulent Newcastle Disease in Backyard Chickens






chicken flock

An outbreak of Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND) in chickens was first detected in Southern California (including Los Angeles County) in May 2018.  VND is not a food safety concern.  Properly cooked poultry products and eggs are safe to eat. 
Learn more about VND. 

 

California Free of Virulent Newcastle Disease - Southern California Regional Quarantine Lifted.  6.1.2020

 

As of June 1, 2020 - State and federal regulatory agencies have declared an end to the VND quarantine in Southern California.  Extensive testing of the regulated areas has been completed and no additional cases have been detected.  This allows poultry to again move freely in California.      

Pets in Rental Housing
dog with family in background
Implementing Pet-Friendly Policies in Residential Multi-unit Rental Housing - A Guidebook pdf icon56 12.27.19

Housing providers and pet-owning renters can use this guide as a resource to facilitate the management of pet-friendly multi-unit rental housing.
Keeping Pets Safe in the Heat
dog and boy running at sunset
As the temperature heats up, don't forget to keep your pets cool!

Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe in the heat. 


Remember to never leave a pet alone in a parked car!
For Pet Owners

 

Keep the whole family healthy.

 Click here to
learn more.

cat and Great Dane dog
  rabbit  
 
 
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
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