A new study published in Nature’s Scientific Reports reveals that data from pet insurance claims can serve as an early warning system for disease outbreaks in humans, potentially offering a one-year lead time before illnesses appear in people. The research, supported by Fetch Pet Insurance, analyzed 14 years of canine illness data and found significant predictive correlations with human disease trends.
Veterinary Claims as a Public Health Tool
The study, led by Dr. Janice O’Brien of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, examined Fetch Pet Insurance claims from 2008 through 2022. Researchers compared these records to human disease data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focusing on three conditions: Lyme disease, giardiasis, and Valley Fever.
The results show that outbreaks of giardia and Valley Fever in humans could be predicted up to a year in advance using trends found in dog health records. Researchers also identified six U.S. states — North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and South Carolina — where Lyme disease is on the rise among dogs but has not yet been detected in humans.
Collaboration and Implications
The research team included veterinary and data science experts: Dr. Aliya McCullough, Chief Veterinary Officer at Fetch; Dr. Christian Debes, data scientist at SpryFox; and Dr. Audrey Ruple, veterinary epidemiologist and chair of the Fetch Veterinary Advisory Board.
According to Dr. Ruple, “Pet insurance data could help us predict disease outbreaks earlier, impacting both dog and human health. This will allow us to warn public health officials in both human and pet fields sooner.”
Emphasizing the One Health Approach
The study reinforces the growing emphasis on the One Health initiative, which views human, animal, and environmental health as interconnected. By utilizing data from companion animals, scientists hope to strengthen disease surveillance systems and improve outbreak preparedness across species.
About the Study
The findings were derived from the analysis of over a decade of insurance claims and CDC records, highlighting how non-traditional data sources like pet insurance can augment public health monitoring.
About Fetch Pet Insurance
Fetch Pet Insurance provides comprehensive coverage for dogs and cats in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to its insurance offerings, the company supports various animal welfare initiatives, including Project Street Vet, a nonprofit delivering free veterinary care to pets of individuals experiencing homelessness. More information is available at fetchpet.com.
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