Cooperative Agreement AP23OA000000C006

The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health will provide free animal testing for SARS-CoV-2 and distribute information about preventing animal exposures and what to do if an animal gets infected through $1.5 million in funding from the Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care (10.025) program. Working with veterinarians, animal shelters, wildlife officials, zoo staff, researchers, and the public, the Department will conduct surveillance and investigation activities for SARS-CoV-2 in animals across Los Angeles County through Jun 2025. This includes collecting wildlife samples at shelters and rehabilitation facilities, pet samples from homes and veterinary clinics, and sharing weekly test results and education materials via multiple channels to improve coordination and identify areas for continued collaboration on animal disease surveillance. The funding aims to address gaps in understanding how SARS-CoV-2 spreads between animals and at the human-animal interface.