As bird flu spreads, US disease trackers set their sights on pets

Cats sit on steps at Grazing Plains Farm in Newton, Kansas, on May 6, 2024. Like most countries, the US has no comprehensive national system for monitoring disease in companion animals – which leaves pets and people at risk. — The New York Times

Trupanion, a Seattle-based pet insurance company, is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a disease tracking system for pets, the company announced this week. The system will draw on insurance claims submitted to Trupanion in real time when sick dogs and cats visit the veterinarian.

“The concept is to proactively detect potential threats to pets and public health,” said Dr Steve Weinrauch, the chief veterinary and product officer at Trupanion.