Andrew Hennenfent

Dr. Andrew Hennenfent, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, is the State Public Health Veterinarian for Iowa, overseeing zoonotic disease prevention and response. Dr. Hennenfent completed an applied epidemiology fellowship in infectious disease at the District of Columbia Department of Health, then oversaw the city’s emerging and zoonotic disease program and served as the city’s public health veterinarian. After joining the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Hennenfent oversaw the Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) Program, leading planning and response efforts for antimicrobial stewardship efforts and infection prevention technical assistance provided to Iowa healthcare personnel to improve infection control practices in all settings. Prior to joining Iowa HHS Dr. Hennenfent worked for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).

Title: Zoonotic Risks in Modern Healthcare: What Infection Preventionists Need to Know

Brief Description: This session spotlights the zoonotic threats most likely to catch healthcare systems off guard, showing how infection preventionists can strengthen communication with rural and agricultural patients, rapidly assess rabies exposures and provide timely PEP, and stay alert to both everyday risks and true “zebras” like New World screwworm and avian influenza. It delivers a fast‑moving, real‑world look at the human–animal interfaces where the next outbreak is most likely to ignite.