March 2025
The global animal vaccine market size is anticipated to grow from USD 18.98 billion in 2025 to USD 44.77 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, as a result of a rising focus on food safety and security.
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An estimated 75% of newly emerging infectious diseases in humans have their roots in animals, highlighting the strong connection between animal and human health.
The animal vaccine market is a rapidly growing sector within the healthcare industry. Animal vaccines play a vital role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases in animals, thus ensuring their health and well-being. The market encompasses vaccines for various animal species, including livestock, companion animals, and poultry.
The global demand for animal vaccines is driven by several factors. The increasing prevalence of zoonotic diseases and the need to protect human health have driven a greater emphasis on animal vaccination, as it helps prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases from animals to humans and reduces the associated public health risks. Furthermore, the growing global population and rising disposable incomes have led to an increased demand for animal-derived products, such as meat, milk, and eggs. To meet the growing demand, livestock producers are adopting preventive healthcare measures, including vaccination, to ensure the health and productivity of their animals. This drives the demand for animal vaccines.
Another trend observed in the animal vaccine market is the increasing focus on companion animal health. Pet owners are increasingly investing in preventive healthcare for their pets, including routine vaccination. This trend is driven by the rising awareness about the benefits of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases and improving the overall well-being of companion animals.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms play a pivotal role in vaccine development by streamlining antigen selection and immunogen design. This enables researchers to develop more efficient vaccines accurately. AI algorithms can facilitate the design of immunogens and identify novel adjuvant candidates, enhancing the safety and efficacy of vaccines. ML can predict antigenic epitopes and assess immunogenicity. Moreover, AI and ML introduce automation in the manufacturing process. They can accelerate the entire manufacturing process, minimizing human intervention. AI and ML enhance reproducibility and precision, decreasing manual errors.
Technological advancements and the development of innovative vaccines are major drivers in the animal vaccine market. The field of veterinary immunology and vaccine research has witnessed significant progress in recent years, leading to the introduction of novel vaccines with enhanced efficacy and safety profiles.
Advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering have revolutionized vaccine development. Recombinant DNA technology has enabled the production of recombinant vaccines, which are safer and more effective than traditional vaccines. These vaccines utilize specific antigens or proteins of the pathogen, eliminating the need for whole-pathogen components. Recombinant vaccines offer improved immune response, reduced side effects, and increased protection against targeted diseases.
In addition, the use of adjuvants in vaccine formulations has improved the efficacy of animal vaccines. Adjuvants enhance the immune response to the vaccine, resulting in better protection against infectious agents. The development of novel adjuvants, such as immune-stimulating complexes and toll-like receptor agonists, has contributed to the effectiveness of vaccines in animals.
Furthermore, advancements in vaccine delivery systems have facilitated efficient and targeted vaccine administration. Needle-free delivery methods, such as oral vaccines and intranasal sprays, offer convenience and ease of use. These non-invasive delivery systems reduce stress on animals and improve compliance among livestock producers and pet owners.
The development of vaccines for emerging and re-emerging diseases is another important aspect of technological advancements in the animal vaccine market. Diseases such as African swine fever, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, and new strains of avian influenza pose significant threats to animal health and the livestock industry. Rapid identification of emerging pathogens and the development of vaccines to prevent their spread are critical for disease control and containment.
The increasing focus on food safety and security is a major driver in the animal vaccine market. With the growing global population and the rising demand for animal-derived products, ensuring the safety and quality of food products has become paramount. Approximately 60% of human disease-causing pathogens can be traced back to domestic animals or wildlife, highlighting their significant role as sources of infectious agents. Outbreaks of foodborne diseases associated with animal products, such as salmonella and campylobacter infections, have raised concerns among consumers and regulatory authorities. Vaccination of animals against pathogens that can contaminate food products helps reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Livestock producers and poultry farmers are increasingly implementing vaccination programs to safeguard the health of their animals and ensure the safety of the food supply chain.
Furthermore, stringent regulations and quality standards imposed by regulatory bodies, such as the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), drive the adoption of vaccination practices. Compliance with these regulations is essential for international trade in animal products. Vaccination against specific diseases is often a prerequisite for exporting animal products to certain countries, ensuring market access and boosting trade opportunities. The focus on food security is another driver for animal vaccination. Disease outbreaks can significantly impact livestock production and food availability, leading to economic losses and food shortages. Vaccination programs help control and prevent the spread of diseases, thereby safeguarding livestock populations and ensuring a stable supply of animal-derived products.
Moreover, consumer awareness and demand for safe and responsibly sourced animal products have increased. Consumers are more conscious of the potential health risks associated with consuming products from animals that have not been vaccinated. This has prompted livestock producers to prioritize vaccination as part of their animal welfare and food safety practices, meeting consumer expectations and enhancing market competitiveness.
High costs associated with animal vaccines and storage challenges pose significant restraints to the animal vaccine market. Vaccines are complex biological products that require extensive research, development, and manufacturing processes. These factors contribute to the high production costs of animal vaccines. The costs associated with vaccine development, clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and manufacturing scale-up are substantial. The need for specialized facilities, equipment, and expertise further adds to the expenses. These high costs impact the affordability and accessibility of animal vaccines, especially in developing countries and small-scale farming operations.
Storage challenges also present a significant restraint to the animal vaccine market. Many vaccines require strict temperature control and proper storage conditions to maintain their potency and efficacy. Cold chain management is crucial to prevent vaccine degradation and maintain immunogenicity. However, maintaining an uninterrupted cold chain throughout the vaccine distribution network can be challenging, particularly in remote areas with limited infrastructure and unreliable electricity supply. Inadequate storage facilities and temperature fluctuations can lead to vaccine spoilage, rendering them ineffective.
Furthermore, the logistics involved in cold chain management, including transportation, monitoring, and quality control, add complexity and costs to the vaccine distribution process. These challenges impact the availability and efficacy of vaccines, hindering their widespread use in certain regions and among small-scale farmers. Despite these restraints, market players are working on developing thermostable vaccines and implementing innovative storage solutions to overcome the limitations associated with cold chain requirements. These advancements would significantly enhance vaccine accessibility and address the storage challenges in the animal vaccine market.
By product type, the attenuated live vaccines segment held a dominant presence in the animal vaccine market in 2024. An attenuated vaccine is a type of vaccine wherein the virulence of a pathogen is reduced but is still viable. Some common examples of attenuated animal vaccines include the Bluetongue virus, lumpy skin disease virus, and foot-and-mouth virus. This type of vaccine offers long-lasting immunity and rapid onset of action. It also activates a wide range of immune responses. Additionally, it eliminates the need for a booster dose and can be produced at a relatively low cost. All these benefits favor the segment’s growth.
By product type, the recombinant vaccines segment is projected to expand rapidly in the market in the coming years. Advancements in recombinant DNA technology and the burgeoning biotechnology sector potentiate the segment’s growth. Vaccines produced through recombinant technology are comparatively safer as they do not contain live or attenuated viruses. Their therapeutic ability can be modified by altering genetic mutations in viruses, allowing the body to respond to mutated viruses. Moreover, they are more effective, delivering stronger and more specific immune responses.
By animal type, the livestock segment held the largest share of the animal vaccine market in 2024. Livestock animals are essential for human health as they provide food and stimulate healthy behavior. Vaccinating livestock helps reduce mortality and morbidity in farms. Favorable government support and rising outbreaks of diseases in cattle and sheep drive the segment’s growth. Hence, vaccinating livestock animals is essential.
By animal type, the companion segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years. The rising adoption of companion animals and the potential of direct contact of companion animals with humans promote the segment’s growth. According to Health for Animals, there are more than 1 billion pets globally, with the U.S., Brazil, EU, and China having the highest number of pets. The stringent regulatory policies necessitate the administration of vaccines to companion animals.
By route of administration, the subcutaneous segment led the global animal vaccine market in 2024. Subcutaneous is the most common route to administer animal vaccines. Several attenuated live vaccines and some non-live vaccines are recommended to be administered by subcutaneous route. The subcutaneous route allows for the slow absorption of vaccines in the body as they are administered through fatty tissues that contain low blood flow. Hence, they give long-lasting immune reactions. Additionally, it is a more cost-effective and convenient way of administering vaccines to animals.
By route of administration, the intranasal segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period. The intranasal route is mostly preferred due to its non-invasiveness and ease of administration. The rising incidences of respiratory disorders in animals potentiate administering animal vaccines through the intranasal route. Pneumonia is the most common disorder in animals. It minimizes viral shedding and spread, resulting in more efficiency compared to intramuscular.
By distribution channel, the hospital/clinic pharmacy segment held the major share of the animal vaccine market in 2024. The increasing number of veterinary hospitals and favorable regulatory frameworks fuel the segment’s growth. There are around 48,487 veterinary services in the U.S. as of 2023. Hospital/clinic pharmacies possess all types of vaccines prescribed by a veterinarian. The rising adoption of advanced technologies and novel products/vaccines also supports the segment’s growth.
By distribution channel, the e-commerce segment is predicted to witness the fastest growth in the market over the forecast period. The rising adoption of the internet and smartphones enables pet owners to order animal vaccines through e-commerce platforms. This facilitates them to buy vaccines from a wide range of options in the comfort of their homes. E-commerce platforms offer special discounts, free home delivery, and online expert consultation services, attracting more customers.
North America is a prominent market for animal vaccines, with the United States holding the largest market share in the region. The region's dominance can be attributed to several factors. The United States has a well-established veterinary healthcare infrastructure and a robust regulatory framework governing animal health. The country's advanced veterinary research facilities and academic institutions drive innovation and the development of new vaccines. The presence of major pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms focused on animal health further contributes to the growth of the market.
In terms of livestock production, the United States is one of the world's leading producers of meat and dairy products. The demand for vaccines to ensure the health and productivity of livestock is high. Additionally, pet ownership is widespread in the United States, with a significant focus on companion animal health. This drives the demand for vaccines for pets, including dogs, cats, and horses.
Canada is another significant market for animal vaccines in North America. The country's large livestock industry, particularly in sectors such as beef and poultry, contributes to the demand for vaccines. Canada also has a strong research and development ecosystem, supporting advancements in animal vaccine technology.
In the upcoming years, the Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth in the animal vaccine market. World Organization for Animal Health delivered around 27.5 million doses of rabies vaccine to countries in Asia and Africa, reported as of April 2023. In addition to this, 8.1 million mouth and foot disease vaccines and 91.6 million peste des petits ruminants vaccine doses were also delivered in Asian and African countries
The region's growing population, rapid urbanization, and increasing disposable incomes are driving the demand for animal-derived products. This, in turn, creates a need for vaccination programs to ensure the health and productivity of livestock.
Additionally, governments in countries such as China and India are focusing on strengthening their veterinary healthcare infrastructure and implementing disease control measures. The rising awareness about animal health, zoonotic diseases, and food safety further fuels the demand for animal vaccines in the region. Market players should capitalize on the opportunities presented by the growing Asia Pacific market by expanding their product offerings and establishing strategic partnerships with local stakeholders.
The increasing adoption of precision vaccines represents a major opportunity in the animal vaccine market. Precision vaccines, or stratified or individualized vaccines, are tailored to specific animal populations based on age, breed, immune status, and disease prevalence. Precision vaccines offer several advantages over traditional mass vaccination approaches. They enable targeted protection against specific diseases prevalent in particular regions or production systems, optimizing vaccine efficacy and cost-effectiveness. By considering the unique characteristics of animal populations, precision vaccines help minimize unnecessary vaccinations and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
Furthermore, precision vaccines can be customized to address the emerging and evolving challenges in animal health. Rapid diagnostics, genetic sequencing, and data analytics enable the identification of specific pathogens and their variants. This information guides the development of precision vaccines that effectively target the identified pathogens and provide tailored protection. Precision vaccines also support the concept of responsible antimicrobial use. By reducing the reliance on antimicrobial agents, precision vaccination contributes to the global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics.
The increasing availability of advanced diagnostic tools and technologies such as next-generation sequencing and serological profiling, further facilitates the development and deployment of precision vaccines. These tools enable veterinarians and researchers to assess the immune status of animals and identify the most suitable vaccines for specific individuals or herds. The adoption of precision vaccines is expected to grow significantly as livestock producers and veterinary professionals recognize the benefits of targeted vaccination strategies. Market players should invest in research and development to expand the range of precision vaccines available for different animal species and diseases. Additionally, collaborations with diagnostic companies and technology providers can help integrate diagnostics and vaccine development, offering comprehensive solutions to the market.
Ian Tarpey, Vice President, R&D, Merck Animal Health, commented that its NOBIVAC brand has a rich history in vaccine innovation, and the company commits to proving their dedication to ensuring safe and effective therapeutic options for veterinary professionals with the latest development of NOBIVAC NXT FeLV.
By Product Type
By Animal Type
By Route of Administration
By Distribution Channel
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March 2025
March 2025
March 2025
March 2025