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Zoonotic Disease Program
The Zoonotic Disease Program provides information for King County residents about prevention and control of zoonotic diseases and also performs the following roles:
- Consults with veterinarians and other medical professionals on potential cases of zoonotic disease in animals
- Investigates animal cases or outbreaks
- Provides on-site infection control recommendations for animal exhibits (e.g., fairs, farm tours)
- Conducts active surveillance for zoonotic diseases (e.g., West Nile virus)
The program is also responsible for:
- Licensing, inspecting, and responding to complaints about pet shops
- Boarding kennels and pet daycare businesses in the city of Seattle
- Assisting with disease prevention at animal shelters
Our approach
One Health recognizes that the health of people is connected to the health of animals and the environment. We are committed to using a One Health approach by working with physicians, veterinarians, environmental scientists, and many others to monitor and control public health threats and to learn about how diseases spread among people, animals, and the environment. One Health issues include zoonotic diseases, vector borne diseases, antibiotic resistance, food safety, environmental health, mental health, occupational health, and more.
Pet Business program
We regulate pet businesses such as pet shops, pet daycares, pet grooming facilities, mobile pet grooming facilities, animal shelters, poultry retailers and pet food retailers.
Diseases by animal
Index of disease resources by animals such as rats, pigs, horses and fish.
Resources for veterinarians
Sign up for and view past issues of our Vet Updates newsletter as well as our zoonotic disease reference manual.
Animal disposal and biomedical waste
How to dispose of dead animals/carcasses (not exposed to disease-causing germs).
Persons at higher risk of getting zoonotic diseases
Resources to support immunocompromised people at higher risk of getting zoonotic diseases.