The University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Hub, UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership and the Community Health Roundtable will host a free virtual public webinar titled “Bats, monkeys and dogs, oh my!” at Noon Friday, Sept. 17 via Zoom.

Humans love the pets that live in our homes and the exotic and wild animals we see in many settings, but what is known about their ability to transmit infections to people? Novel and emerging infections can have a big impact on the world’s animals and people. Dr. Connie Austin, Illinois Department of Public Health State Public Health Veterinarian and epidemiologist, will talk about some of the infectious diseases that may reach us through contact with exotic pets, importation of animals and travel around the world.  Dr. Austin has been instrumental in the state’s COVID-19 response and will address questions pertaining to her role and COVID-19.

The discussion will be moderated by Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center of State Policy and Leadership.

In order to attend the event, please register online at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar. A Zoom link will be emailed to those who register.

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu. Past UIS webinars can be found online at go.uis.edu/Webinars.