Veterinary Anti-infectives Market Size & Share 2024 to 2032

Veterinary Anti-infectives Market Size

The global veterinary anti-infectives market size was valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at 3.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. The anti-infective market in the veterinary industry has grown due to the increasing incidence of infectious diseases in livestock and companion animals. The expansion of livestock farming, which is caused by increasing global demand for meat and meat products, has increased the infection risk.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports more than 200 recognized zoonotic diseases, which includes bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Out of various infectious diseases, 60% are of zoonotic origins, and 75% of new human infections come from animals. This necessitates the funding of anti-infectives that are important for managing and mitigating zoonotic outbreaks, hence further fueling investments from governments, farmers, and pet owners.
 

Anti-infectives are essential in controlling diseases caused by bacterial, viral, and fungal infections when combined these results in major economic consequences for agriculture and pet care industries. These treatments are pivotal in the maintenance of health and productivity of animals of distinct species and settings. The increased focus on animal health due to the growing pet population has further escalated the demand for effective treatment options.
 

Veterinary anti-infectives are agents for pharmaceutical use in animals, including livestock and companion animals, designed to prevent, treat, and control infections caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic agents. These products play a key role in enhancing animal well-being while mitigating the scope of zoonotic infections that are viable to humans. The market comprises a broad spectrum of drugs which include antibiotics, antiviral drugs, antifungal medications, and antiparasitic drugs, that are preemptively utilized and used to treat infectious diseases in veterinary medicine.
 

Veterinary Anti-infectives Market Trends

• The increasing consumption of meat and other animal products has caused a steep surge in the use of veterinary anti-infectives in the market. As the farming of livestock increases to support the needs of the population, it results in a higher infection rate among animals, which makes it imperative to provide proper care for their well-being. Veterinary anti-infectives are indispensable for disease prevention and control in livestock as well as food protection from contamination and zoonotic diseases which endanger public health.
   
• For instance, U.S. one of the top beef suppliers in the world, is currently suffering an outbreak of bird flu in cattle. A report by the U.S. FDA in May 2024 showed more than 250 beef products across 38 states had tested positive for high-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This circumstance is a grave challenge for beef production but also an avenue for industry stakeholders to build efficient therapies to tackle the outbreak.
   
• In the same way, South Africa has a greater dependency on poultry which has been severely affected by the HPAI resulting in significantly decreased egg production by 30% and mass culling of more than one million poultry birds which Broilers World reported in December 2023.
   
• These events draw attention to the need for effective measures to manage disease outbreaks in pets and cattle, which in turn could create growth opportunities in the market.
   

Veterinary Anti-infectives Market Analysis

Based on the animal type, the market is categorized as livestock animals and companion animals. The livestock animals segment is set to lead the market, accounting for the largest revenue in 2023, anticipating its dominance throughout the forecast period with a CAGR of 3.4%. The livestock animals segment is further categorized into poultry, swine, cattle, and other livestock animals.
 

• The importance of farm animals in the markets stems from the increasing establishment of large-scale animal farms and the growing requirements of disease management and prevention in those farms.
   
• The increased consumption of meat globally, the growing concern for animal health, and cost-effective and efficient livestock production necessitate investment in anti-infective drugs.
   
• Furthermore, the increasing burden of infectious diseases on livestock with the growing trend in veterinary medicine is stimulating the market for livestock anti-infectives products.
   

Learn more about the key segments shaping this market

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Based on product type, the veterinary anti-infectives market is classified into antibacterial, antifungal, antivirals, and antiparasitic. The antibacterial segment holds the largest market share of 44.3% in 2023 and is expected to maintain dominance throughout the analysis period.
 

• The growth of anti-bacterial segment is captured owing to its vital and critical role in dealing with bacterial infections in poultry and other animals.
   
• Demand for potent antibacterial compounds is being propelled due to the rising occurrence of bacterial infections in livestock and pets.
   
• Moreover, the growing concern of developing resistance toward antibiotics makes it imperative to conduct research and develop novel approaches toward antibacterial treatment.
   
• Furthermore, policies seeking improvements in animal health and welfare strengthen and increase the usage of antibacterial therapy in veterinary medicine.
   

Based on the route of administration, the veterinary anti-infectives market is segmented into oral, parenteral, topical, and other routes of administration. The oral segment dominated the market with a market revenue of USD 2.2 billion in 2023.
 

• The oral form also has the greatest compliance with ease of administration, pet owners and farmers prefer oral medications in the form of tablets, powders, and suspensions which do not require skilled training in veterinary medicine.
   
• Moreover, oral anti-infectives capture a significant market share because of their greater cost efficiency relative to injectable products.
   

Based on the distribution channel, the veterinary anti-infectives market is segmented into retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and veterinary hospital pharmacies. The retail pharmacies segment dominated the market with the highest share in 2023.
 

• This trend is driven by the ease of access and use that these pet owners have to retail pharmacies.
   
• Customers do not have to visit specialized veterinary clinics as retail pharmacies stock a variety of anti-infectives and other medications for veterinarians.
   
• The increasing demand for veterinary medicine because of growing pet population and health awareness has increase the demand for retail pharmacies.
   
• In addition, low prices and discounts gave more people the opportunity to obtain the available medications for animals. The easier availability of routine animal care and emergency medications puts retail pharmacies in the leading position.
   

The U.S. veterinary anti-infectives market accounted for USD 2 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to show considerable growth over the analysis period.
 

• The reasons for the U.S. dominance in markets are numerous, including increased infrastructure in medicine, more investment in research and development, and increased human and veterinary infectious diseases.
   
• The regulatory framework in the country guarantees the safety and effectiveness of anti-infective products, which promotes innovation from local pharmaceutical companies.
   
• Additionally, growing pet ownership and consumption of livestock products increases the need for veterinary anti-infectives and expands the market further.
   
• Furthermore, the country is well-equipped with a developed anti-infective distribution network that provides easy access to various medicines.
   
• In addition, growing awareness of antibiotic resistance is focusing the market on new anti-infective product development.
   
• Therefore, the above factors explain the U.S. leadership of the North American anti-infectives market.
   

Germany exhibits a high growth potential in the European veterinary anti-infectives market.
 

• This veterinary anti-infective market drives growth in Germany owing to well-developed animal healthcare system, strict animal welfare laws, and very high pet ownership in the country. The country's standards for animal care create substantial demand for anti-infective treatments which drives the market growth.
   
• In addition, leading firms in the market are setting up manufacturing and R&D units in Germany. This approach allows the firms to produce more focused anti-infectives medicines that satisfy the increasing demands for better quality veterinary care products among pet owners.
   

China held a prominent position in Asia veterinary anti-infectives market anticipating dominance throughout during the forecast period.
 

• China continues to lead due to high investment in livestock as well as increasing investment in animal health and veterinary services.
   
• The growing concern for livestock welfare and high restrictions on antibiotic use have resulted in greater supply for adequate anti-infective treatment.
   
• Moreover, the recent progress in veterinary medicine and technology is easing the formulation of new drugs and treatments.
   
• Furthermore, China's shift towards ensuring food safety and improving livestock productivity is expected to further strengthen its position in the market.
   

Saudi Arabia is poised to grow at a significant growth rate in the Middle East and African veterinary anti-infectives market.
 

• The growth in Saudi Arabia will be fueled by greater spending towards animal healthcare and higher understanding of livestock disease prevention practices.
   
• Increased livestock farming together with government commitment to food security and the assurance of high-quality products are increasing demand for effective anti-infective treatment.
   
• The increasing preference for animal health and welfare is expected to drive the market's growth significantly during the analysis period.
   

Veterinary Anti-infectives Market Share

Among notable multinational pharmaceutical companies and specialized veterinary firms, a major segment of the market lies with certain key companies. Key market players spend enormous amounts of money on research and development for innovation and development of new products for both livestock and companion animals.
 

It is also common for firms to form partnerships or engage in mergers and acquisitions to achieve greater market reach and portfolio diversification. The increasing sustainable marketing practices along with responsible antibiotic use are attempts to address the growing fears of antibiotic resistance, thus reshaping the growth opportunities in the market.
 

Veterinary Anti-infectives Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the veterinary anti-infectives industry include:

• Aspen Veterinary Resources
• Boehringer Ingelheim International
• Ceva 
• Dechra Pharmaceuticals
• Elanco 
• Merck & Co
• Norbrook 
• Phibro Animal Health
• Vetoquinol S.A.
• Virbac
• Zoetis
   

USPs for the top market players:

• Extensive global distribution network in veterinary clinics
   
• Competitive pricing to gain an edge in emerging markets
   
• Collaboration with research institutions and government bodies for disease eradication program
   

Veterinary Anti-infectives Industry News:

• In February 2024, Blacksmith Medicines, Inc. partnered with Zoetis to collaborate on the discovery and development of innovative antibiotics for animal health. This partnership aimed to enhance the effectiveness of treatments available for animals, addressing the growing need for novel solutions in veterinary medicine.
   
• In January 2023, Norbrook expanded its extensive antibiotic lineup with the introduction of Tulieve, a tulathromycin injection. This new generic injectable is available in an exclusive plastic bottle and comes in four different sizes. Tulieve is now part of Norbrook's comprehensive portfolio of anti-infective products designed for veterinarians treating food animals. This addition underscored Norbrook's commitment to providing effective solutions for animal health, enhancing the options available for veterinarians in managing infections in livestock.
   

The veterinary anti-infectives market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Animal Type

• Livestock animals
  • Cattle
  • Poultry
  • Swine
  • Other livestock animals
• Companion animals
  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Other companion animals

Market, By Product Type

• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Antivirals
• Antiparasitics

Market, By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Topical
• Other routes of administration

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Retail pharmacies
• Online pharmacies
• Veterinary hospital pharmacies

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE