One Health Lecture

Species-Spanning Medicine for Humans and Other Animals

Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz will be presenting a One Health lecture sponsored by UH John A Burns School of Medicine. Dr. Natterson-Horowitz is a cardiologist and evolutionary biologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, Harvard University’s Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, and the School of Medicine at UCLA. Her research focuses on evolutionary biology and the natural world as sources of insights for human health and development. A leader in the field of evolutionary medicine, she co-chairs the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Board on Animal Health Sciences, Conservation, and Research (BAHSCR). 

Zoobiquity, her best-selling popular science book co-authored with K. Bowerswas a finalist in the American Association for the Advancement of Science Excellence in Science Books Award, a Smithsonian Top Book of 2012, and a Discover Magazine Best Book of the Year. Her recently published Wildhood chronicles the transition from juvenile to adult biology and behavior across vertebrate species. Dr. Natterson-Horowitz earned her B.A. and M.A. at Harvard University and her M.D. at University of California, San Francisco. 

Her presentation “Species-Spanning Medicine for Humans and Other Animals” will be held at the UH John A. Burns School of Medicine in Kaka’ako.

Friday May 9, 2025
5:30pm
Room 102

RSVP here

Legislative Update – Spring 2025

The 2025 Hawaii legislative session is wrapping up. Here are the bills still winding their way through the legislative process:

It’s easy to stay informed and get involved in our local legislative process!

Toxoplasma Research Study

Dr. Jerrisa Ching Choe is still looking for participants for her study on the risk factors and seroprevalence of human toxoplasmosis in Hawaiʻi. The purpose of the study is to see what risk factors are associated with exposure and/or latent disease against Toxoplasma gondii among human populations in the state. 

To be eligible to participate in the study, volunteers need to be 1) within 18-65 years old, 2) are generally healthy and free of severe comorbidities (e.g. HIV/AIDs, immune-mediated diseases, autoimmune diseases etc.), and 3) have lived in a Hawaiʻi household for at least six months or more at a time. The study involves one visit to the JABSOM campus to complete a questionnaire and have a small amount of blood drawn from them. All participants of the study will be compensated with a $5 gift card to Starbucks or Jamba Juice of their choice! 

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the study, please contact Dr. Jerrisa Ching Choe (PhD Student) directly. Mahalo for your time and consideration!

Hawaii Pet Expo Volunteer Sign-ups

The 33rd annual Hawaii Pet Expo is coming up next month from May 3-4, 2025 10am-4pm. This event will be held at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu, Hawaii and is free to the public.

We are looking for volunteers from the veterinary community to help us make this event a success! If you’re willing to volunteer, please sign up at the link below before Monday, April 21, 2025.

Sign up to volunteer here!

Volunteers needed for:

HVMA BOOTH
• Ask-A-Vet
• Answer questions and encourage public to enjoy the educational displays in the booth

GREETERS
• Pass out programs, poop bags
• Aid in helping attendees with strollers, wheelchairs, etc through turnstiles
• Smile

FOODBANK / INFO BOOTH
• Be able to answer questions, direct vendors and public to booth area
• Lost and found center
• Be able to find security, expo organizers
• Collection and packing of food donations
• Collection of monetary donations
• Coordinate volunteers (show where shirts are and their work areas)

MAKE & TAKE CRAFT BOOTH
• Help kids and adult with crafts
• Encourage participation

SHOW MARSHALS
• Walk around exhibition hall and outside to clean-up spills and accidents (take poop to outside dumpster)
• Mop areas where there has been accidents
• Make sure exhibition hall doors are closed
• Remind pet owners to keep dogs leashed or secured and have cats, birds and pocket pets in carriers for the safety of all pets involved
• Assist exhibitors with removal of trash and put in outside dumpster
• All cleaning supplies provided (poop bags, disinfectants, mops)

SNACK BAR
• Help pet owners create snacks for pets

2025 HVMA Scholarship

The Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association is pleased to announce that the 2025 HVMA scholarship application is now open! The application deadline is April 30th, 2025

Interested veterinary students (1st-4th year, US citizens) currently enrolled in an AVMA-accredited doctoral program of veterinary medicine who graduated from a high school in Hawaii are eligible to apply. Please share this opportunity with any students you think may be interested!

Please contact Dr. Jenee Odani if you have any questions. 

2025 Legislative Update

The 2025 Hawaii legislative session is in full swing. Here are some bills HVMA is keeping tabs on this session:

  • HB456 / SB962 Relating to Raw Milk – HVMA opposes
  • HB544 / SB1026 Relating to Pet Insurance – HVMA supports
  • HB1427 / SB1591 Relating to Avian Influenza – HVMA supports
  • SB493 Relating to Veterinarians – HVMA opposes (due to workforce development fee on vet license renewals and logistical challenges of developing new program/fund)
  • SB1021 / HB49 Relating to Wildlife – HVMA opposes
  • SB874 Relating to Veterinary Medicine – HVMA would submit comments that AVMA Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics already requires vets to provide written prescriptions upon request. Would prefer to include language specifying that posting signage in the lobby to inform the client of their right to request a written prescription is sufficient.

Keep an eye out as we may call on you to submit testimony on these bills as hearings arise, particularly SB874.

Toxoplasma Research Study

Jerrisa Ching Choe, DVM, MPH, is your HVMA New Graduate Delegate and a PhD student in the Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa who is still looking for participants for her study on the evaluation of risk factors and seroprevalence of human toxoplasmosis in Hawaiʻi. The purpose of the study is to investigate what major risk factors are associated with exposure and/or latent disease against Toxoplasma gondii among human populations in the state. Email Jerrisa for more information.

FDA Solicits Public Comments on Use of Cannabis-Derived Products in Veterinary Medicine

The FDA has released a request for information (RFI)soliciting comments from the public, particularly veterinarians, related to the use of cannabis-derived products (CDP) in animals. The focus of this RFI is on cannabidiol (CBD) products and other products derived from hemp.The FDA is trying to better understand what veterinarians are experiencing related to CDPs in their patients, such as: general patterns of use (i.e., animal species, brands, formulations, doses, indications for use), quality standards, benefits of use, potential drug interactions, adverse events and safety problems, and toxicological concerns.

The Federal Register notice about the RFI contains instructions for submitting comments. FDA will fully consider all comments, including comments submitted anonymously. The comment period for this RFI opens on January 16, and will be open for 90 days. If you have relevant responses to the questions in the RFI, please submit them no later than April 16, 2025.

HDOA HPAI Guidance for Veterinary Clinics

Submitted by Raquel Wong, DVM, Hawaii Dept of Ag Animal Industry Division

Avian clients should not be turned away simply because HPAI is in the environment. Clinics and mobile veterinarians are encouraged to continue treating birds with extra attention focused on biosecurity and the signs of HPAI should they need to report suspected cases to animal health officials.

What are the signs of HPAI?

  • Decreased water consumption
  • Extreme depression
  • Very quiet
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Decrease in feed or water intake
  • Swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, wattle, and hocks
  • Decrease in egg production
  • Sudden unexplained death

What if a client calls with sick birds?

Veterinary clinics should develop a set of questions for their clients to determine the HPAI risk of the pet bird and then develop their own procedures appropriate to the risk. Some starter questions to consider:

  • Is the avian species a wild bird?
    • Veterinarians should not let wild waterfowl, gulls or other susceptible HPAI wild species into their facility.
  • Are all birds sick or just one? What is the overall health of the flock?
    • If one bird is sick or dead and all the others appear healthy it may not be HPAI. However, if a flock is experiencing daily mortality or there are a number of dead birds it should be reported to the Animal Industry Division, Hawaii Department of Agriculture at 808-483-7100 (Monday – Friday 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM).  After hours or weekends to 808-837-8092.  Or email HDOAIC@hawaii.gov.
  • Does the bird have access to the outside in a free ranging type of situation (vs. being in a contained/controlled housing away from environmental elements)
    • If yes, how long does the bird spend time outside? Is the time spent outside supervised?
  • Does the client live by a body of water or agricultural field?
  • Does the client feed wild birds or wild animals?
  • Does the client engage in sport hunting of wild birds?
  • Does the client work or volunteer with any avian species?

Answering yes to any of these questions should prompt additional precautionary procedures to be utilized and have AI on your list of differential diagnoses.

How should clinics handle routine avian appointments?

Avian patient physical contact should be limited, and staff should always wear the appropriate PPE and wash their hands before and after handling birds. Additional biosecurity guidance includes:

  • Make an exam room at the clinic for avian appointments only.
  • See avian appointments at the end of the day.
  • Limit staff contact with avian species, especially those that have pet birds at home.
  • Emergency surgeries only for avian species.
  • Hospitalized avian species should be kept away from routine avian appointments.
  • All medical equipment and laundry used for avian appointments should be washed and disinfected appropriately.
  • Disinfect exam rooms following label directions on preparation and contact time to ensure it kills potential HPAI virus. Look for a disinfectant with an EPA registered product with label claim for Avian Influenza
  • Proper PPE should be used including gowns, foot coverings, masks, gloves, and eye protection.
  • Educate staff and clients about how HPAI is spread and how to reduce the spread of the disease.

How should mobile veterinarians handle client visits?

  • Wear clean clothing and boots.
  • If possible, limit ambulatory visits to facilities with poultry to one site per day.
  • Wash your vehicle immediately prior to and when leaving a site with poultry.
  • Use disposable coveralls, boots, and gloves, +/- masks. If possible and agreeable to the client, leave them at the client’s site.

Considerations for clinic staff biosecurity

  • Does the facility have a written biosecurity plan and procedures?
  • Do employees and volunteers receive biosecurity training?
  • Do employees and volunteers change into dedicated work clothing onsite? Is work-provided clothing laundered onsite, or is it taken home with employees?
  • What personal protective equipment (such as boots, gloves, coveralls, and masks) do you provide?
  • Are staff allowed to keep poultry or pet birds at home? Do staff engage in sport hunting of wild birds?
  • If the attending veterinarian is an offsite contractor, do they treat birds at other locations? What precautions do they take when visiting your facility?
  • Are there protocols (such as showering, changing clothes, or avoiding bird contact for 72 hours) for people who visit captive wild bird facilities or poultry premises?

What if you suspect a bird in your care has HPAI?

  • Call the Animal Industry Division, Hawaii Department of Agriculture at 808-483-7100 (Monday – Friday 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM).  After hours or weekends to 808-837-8092.  Or email HDOAIC@hawaii.gov.

Resources to share with your clients