Veterinary Anti-infectives Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, 2020-2030F

The Veterinary Anti-infectives Market was valued at USD 8.37 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 12.20 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 6.45%. The Global Veterinary Anti-infectives Market is experiencing steady growth as livestock and companion animal populations continue to rise, driving greater demand for effective disease prevention and treatment solutions. Anti-infectives play a critical role in maintaining animal health, ensuring food safety, and supporting the global supply of animal-based proteins.

The increasing prevalence of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections in animals is creating a strong need for advanced anti-infective medicines across both livestock and companion animal sectors. Growing awareness among farmers and pet owners about the importance of timely veterinary care has further accelerated the adoption of antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and combination therapies. Expanding commercial livestock farming to meet the rising demand for meat, milk, and eggs has amplified the importance of disease control, positioning veterinary anti-infectives as an indispensable component of modern animal healthcare practices.

Growth drivers for the market include the rising incidence of zoonotic diseases, which has heightened the focus on controlling animal infections to safeguard public health. Increasing investments in veterinary research and development are also fueling innovation in anti-infective formulations, including long-acting injectables, targeted drug delivery systems, and combination therapies that address resistance issues.

Demand for preventive solutions is gaining traction as producers and pet owners shift toward health management practices that reduce treatment costs and improve productivity. A major trend shaping the market is the transition toward antibiotic alternatives such as probiotics, phytogenics, and immunostimulants, reflecting global concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Continuous advancements in diagnostic technologies are also enabling faster detection of infections, which complements the effective use of anti-infectives and supports precision veterinary medicine.

The market faces challenges that could restrict its potential in the coming years. High development costs for new veterinary medicines, coupled with stringent regulatory approval processes, often delay product launches and limit accessibility in certain regions. Concerns around antimicrobial resistance are leading to stricter restrictions on antibiotic usage, pressuring manufacturers to invest in alternatives while balancing affordability for end users. Limited awareness among small-scale livestock farmers about the correct use of anti-infectives can result in misuse, reduced efficacy, and increased resistance risks.

Supply chain limitations in remote or underdeveloped areas also restrict timely access to critical medicines. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts between governments, pharmaceutical companies, and veterinary service providers to enhance awareness, strengthen distribution networks, and accelerate innovation in safer, sustainable anti-infective solutions. Despite these hurdles, the Global Veterinary Anti-infectives Market is expected to expand, supported by rising animal health needs, evolving healthcare practices, and ongoing advancements in veterinary therapeutics.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Incidence of Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry

The rising incidence of infectious diseases in livestock and poultry is a significant driver of the Global Veterinary Anti-infectives Market. In the United States, the USDA reported processing over 9.4 billion broiler chickens and 218 million turkeys in 2023. This large-scale production increases the risk of disease outbreaks, necessitating effective anti-infective solutions to maintain animal health and productivity. Similarly, India, with the world's highest livestock population, including 300 million cattle and buffaloes and 851 million poultry, faces challenges in managing diseases among its vast animal population. The prevalence of diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease in these regions underscores the need for robust veterinary anti-infective measures.

In China, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has been proactive in enhancing animal health surveillance and disease control programs to address the growing concerns of infectious diseases in livestock and poultry. The government's efforts to strengthen veterinary infrastructure and promote disease prevention strategies have contributed to the increased demand for veterinary anti-infectives. These initiatives aim to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases on animal health and ensure food security. The escalating incidence of infectious diseases in livestock and poultry across these regions highlights the critical need for effective veterinary anti-infectives to safeguard animal health and support the growth of the global veterinary anti-infectives market.

Key Market Challenges

Rising Concerns Over Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Rising concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represent one of the most significant challenges for the Global Veterinary Anti-infectives Market, as the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in livestock and companion animals contribute to the development of drug-resistant pathogens. AMR poses serious threats not only to animal health but also to human health due to the potential transfer of resistant bacteria through the food chain, direct contact, or environmental contamination. Regulatory authorities worldwide are increasingly implementing stricter guidelines to limit antibiotic use in animals, including restrictions on growth-promoting antibiotics and tighter controls on prophylactic administration. These regulations create pressure on manufacturers and veterinarians to adopt alternative approaches to disease management, such as vaccines, immunostimulants, probiotics, and other non-antibiotic therapies, which may not always be as widely available or cost-effective as traditional anti-infectives.

The growing awareness of AMR among consumers, farmers, and healthcare professionals has intensified demand for responsible and judicious use of veterinary medicines. Pharmaceutical companies face the challenge of balancing the development of effective anti-infectives with compliance to evolving global standards while ensuring affordability for farmers, particularly in emerging markets where cost sensitivity is high. Research and development efforts to create next-generation therapies that are effective yet less prone to resistance are resource-intensive, requiring significant time and financial investment. Inadequate farmer education and poor adherence to dosing protocols can exacerbate resistance issues, further complicating disease management. The AMR challenge is reshaping treatment strategies and driving innovation in veterinary medicine, but it also imposes significant operational, regulatory, and economic pressures on the veterinary anti-infectives market, making it a critical hurdle for sustained growth and adoption.

Key Market Trends

Expansion of Prescription-Based Channels and Digital Sales

A key trend in the Global Veterinary Anti-infectives Market is the expansion of prescription-based channels and digital sales, which is reshaping how veterinary medicines are accessed and distributed. Increasing regulatory oversight on antimicrobial usage, aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance, has led many countries to restrict the availability of certain anti-infective drugs over the counter, prompting a shift toward prescription-only access. This transition ensures more controlled and responsible usage of antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungal medications, while improving adherence to dosage guidelines and reducing the risk of resistance development. Prescription-based channels also allow veterinarians to play a more active role in disease management, guiding producers and pet owners on the appropriate choice of therapy and monitoring treatment outcomes.

Simultaneously, digital sales platforms and e-commerce solutions are expanding the reach of veterinary anti-infectives to both urban and rural markets. Online pharmacies and veterinary supply platforms provide convenient access to a broad portfolio of medicines, particularly for farmers managing large herds or flocks where timely procurement is essential. Integration of digital tools with prescription channels enables better tracking of drug usage, inventory management, and compliance with veterinary guidelines.

Telemedicine and virtual consultation services are also gaining traction, allowing veterinarians to diagnose, prescribe, and monitor treatments remotely, which is especially valuable in regions with limited veterinary infrastructure. The combination of stricter prescription regulations and the convenience of digital sales channels is transforming the market landscape, enhancing accessibility, supporting antibiotic stewardship programs, and encouraging data-driven decision-making in veterinary healthcare. This trend is expected to continue shaping the adoption and distribution of anti-infectives across livestock and companion animal segments globally.

Key Market Players

• Zoetis Inc.
• Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health GmbH
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC
• Elanco Animal Health Incorporated
• Ceva Santé Animale S.A.
• Virbac S.A.
• Biogénesis Bagó S.A.
• Vetoquinol S.A.
• Norbrook Laboratories Limited

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Veterinary Anti-infectives Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Veterinary Anti-infectives Market, By Animal Type:

• Livestock Animal
• Companion Animal

Veterinary Anti-infectives Market, By Product:

• Antimicrobial
• Antifungals
• Antivirals
• Antiparasitic
• Others

Veterinary Anti-infectives Market, By Route of Administration:

• Oral
• Injectable
• Topical

Veterinary Anti-infectives Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Hospital/ Clinic Pharmacy
• Retail Pharmacies
• E-commerce

Veterinary Anti-infectives Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Veterinary Anti-infectives Market.

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Company Information

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