McCarthy’s Appointment Brings Advocacy and Government Insights to Advance the First-Ever Valley Fever Vaccine for Pets and Humans

Anivive Lifesciences, a tech-driven pet pharmaceutical company, is thrilled to announce that Kevin McCarthy, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, has joined its Board of Directors. McCarthy’s longstanding commitment to addressing Valley Fever, through initiatives like the Congressional Valley Fever Task Force and the FORWARD Act, aligns with Anivive’s mission to develop the first vaccine for this escalating health issue, affecting both pets and humans.

“Anivive's innovative approach to developing a Valley Fever vaccine is a game-changer,” said McCarthy, emphasizing his enthusiasm for contributing to Anivive’s goal. Valley Fever, a fungal infection, impacts nearly 100 million people and 30 million dogs across regions where infection rates have surged by 600% over the past decade. With billions spent annually on healthcare for Valley Fever cases, there remains no preventative vaccine—an urgent gap Anivive aims to fill.

A Vaccine on the Horizon for Pets and Wildlife

Anivive’s Valley Fever vaccine, currently in development, has demonstrated safety and efficacy across multiple species in over a dozen studies, making it the first of its kind to show promise in treating this widespread disease. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) awarded Anivive a $33 million contract in June to fund further research, scale production, and conduct clinical trials. With a targeted 2025 launch, the vaccine could become a lifeline for millions of dogs and potentially dozens of endangered zoo species affected by Valley Fever.

Dylan Balsz, Founder and CEO of Anivive, expressed excitement over McCarthy’s involvement: “Kevin’s deep commitment to fighting Valley Fever and his understanding of government processes will be invaluable as we prepare to launch this critical vaccine.”

Addressing an Urgent Need in Veterinary and Public Health

Anivive’s focus on tackling Valley Fever underscores its mission to bridge the gap in preventative healthcare for pets. In partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Anivive also aims to make the vaccine accessible for various endangered species in zoos that face similar risks from this debilitating disease.

“I am excited to join the Board and support Anivive’s mission to combat this escalating health crisis,” McCarthy said. “Together, we can bring a significant solution to those affected, making a real impact on public and animal health.”

With McCarthy’s leadership and Anivive’s scientific expertise, this partnership sets a new standard for veterinary innovation and advocacy, bringing us closer to a world where Valley Fever can be prevented in pets and wildlife alike.