MDARD Highlights Pet Preparedness and Wellness in June

Published on June 25, 2024

This June, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) acknowledges National Pet Preparedness Month, focusing on the health and safety of animals during natural or man-made disasters and their everyday wellness.

“Any animal preparedness plan should begin with considering their general wellness. Working with your veterinarian can help ensure that you are doing everything possible to maintain their good health,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “Keeping up with their core vaccinations, taking simple preventative steps to avoid illness, and making sure they have current identification can all help safeguard animals’ health and safety under any circumstance.”

Vaccinations are crucial in preventing numerous diseases, some of which are zoonotic, affecting both animals and humans. Core vaccinations, such as those for rabies, are essential for dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, and other animals. Rabies, a zoonotic and often fatal disease, is carried by wildlife species like bats and skunks in Michigan. Pets can contract rabies from bites or interactions with rabid animals. As of June 13, 2024, Michigan has reported 15 cases of rabies in bats. Safe and effective vaccines are available to protect animals from this virus.

Vaccinations are equally important for horses, protecting them from mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and Western equine encephalitis. WNV and EEE are common in Michigan, with EEE being particularly fatal. In 2023, there were four cases of WNV and one confirmed case of EEE in horses, many of which were either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, leading to severe illness or euthanasia.

Other diseases can also impact your animals’ health. Consulting your veterinarian can help determine the best vaccinations for your animals and ensure they are up to date.

In addition to vaccinations, veterinarians can provide guidance on other preventative measures. Simple actions like washing your hands before handling animals, keeping shoes out of their reach, preventing contact with wildlife, avoiding interactions with sick or unknown animals, and not sharing bowls or toys can help maintain their health. Your veterinarian can offer new strategies for keeping your animals healthy.

Ensuring your animals have up-to-date identification is another crucial step for their safety. Whether they slip their leash, sneak out, jump a fence, or get lost in a chaotic situation, having current ID tags or registered microchips is vital for their quick return. Your veterinarian can assist with verifying and obtaining proper identification.

By focusing on the health and safety of your animals today, you can ensure better preparedness for any situation tomorrow.