Rob Gronkowski poses with Anivive CEO Dylan Balsz at the recent veterinary convention in Las Vegas.Ani Live Photo
Written by Alex Scott
Former NFL star Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski donated $1 million to help pets fight common infections in the Central Valley.
The outsized four-time Super Bowl champion attended the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas last week to raise awareness of the Long Beach-based pet medicine startup’s efforts. Ani Vibe.
The funding will allow Anivive to commercialize the Valley Fever vaccine for dogs. It is expected to become the first antifungal vaccine approved for any species. The vaccine could help protect his more than 30 million dogs at risk from Valley Fever, according to a news release.
“I had a blast at WVC and it solidified my determination to be a part of helping save pet lives with a company developing never-before-seen treatments and vaccines,” said Gronkowski. .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10,000 cases of Valley Fever are reported each year in the United States, with nearly 70% originating from Arizona and 30% originating from California.
Both humans and animals can get infections caused by Coccidioides immitis. Dogs account for the majority of Valley Fever cases in animals, according to a study by the Tucson School of Medicine’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence. Approximately 6-10% of dogs in Pima, Pinal, and Maricopa Counties in Arizona develop Valley Fever each year.
The spores that cause Valley Fever live in 2 to 12 inches of upper soil in much of California, but are most abundant in the Central Valley. Coccidioides immitis is endemic throughout the Central and San Joaquin Valleys, according to Fresno County Health officials. Residents at high risk of contracting Valley Fever include those living or working outdoors on the west side of the Valley.
Anivive hopes a vaccine will be available within the next 12 months.
Gronkowski’s donation will allow Anivive’s Valley Fever vaccine to be distributed to low-income families and animal shelters in Arizona.
“Rob’s commitment will help us scale our efforts to protect and help more pets. Be happy, be healthy and live long,” said Dylan Balsz, founder and CEO of Anivive.
Gronkowski has also participated in charity bull rides to raise funds for Petco Lab, Morris Animal Foundation, Dogtopia Foundation, Banfield Foundation, and VCA charities, raising a total of $10,000 for charities. rice field.
