- The North American pet health insurance sector grew 21.9% in 2023, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest “State of the Industry Report,” released Wednesday. According to the report, the North American pet insurance industry in 2023 for the first time exceeded the $4 billion mark, with $4.27 billion in total premiums sold in 2023 and more than 6.25 million pets insured across North America. That number was up 20.9% from 2022. “When we look at our sustained growth across North America, we see a tremendous upside for the industry and are very encouraged about the future,” NAPHIA President Rick Faucher said in the announcement.
- Heartworm disease has continued to increase in both number and geographical location throughout the United States in the last few years, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. As people travel and move around more, they are bringing their pets with them. Colorado, a state that previously had very low heartworm prevalence, has been experiencing an increase in heartworm cases since 2013, and the only significant causative factor was determined to be the import of over 100,000 dogs into the state. Still, effective treatments are available. Pet owners must approach heartworm as a disease that can occur anywhere, anytime, Dr. Emily Singler writes for the American Animal Hospital Association.
- The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service announced it’s canceling the July cattle report and discontinuing the cotton objective yield survey, as well as all county estimates for crops and livestock beginning with the 2024 production year. The agency said it’s taking these steps due to appropriated budget levels.