We conduct applied research to help fulfill the Center for Veterinary Medicine's mission to protect human and animal health.

Here we share examples of questions that drive our research and how we answer them.

Are methods for testing animals for SARS-CoV-2 virus reliable?

Early in 2020, veterinary diagnostic laboratories across the U.S. quickly and independently developed tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus in animals with suspected infections. Scientists in FDA’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) led an effort to make sure those new methods – which handled diverse materials collected from cats, dogs, horses, lions, tigers, minks, and other animals – delivered reliable results. In addition to protecting animal health, their work had positive impact on human health. Learn how in From House Cats to Big Cats: How FDA Evaluated Methods for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 in Animals.

Can you identify a drug that can fight drug resistant Campylobacter? 

During an infectious disease outbreak linked to puppies, an antimicrobial resistant strain of Campylobacter sickened patients and they weren’t responding to the drug approved to treat it. Scientists in the Office of Research were asked if they could find a drug that would work. Spoiler alert: They did! Read How FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine Improved Human Healthcare During an Outbreak Linked to Puppies.