Veterinary Diagnostics: An Essential Component of Animal
Healthcare
Veterinary diagnostics are the methods and tools used to
diagnose and monitor diseases and conditions in animals. They are essential in
providing accurate and timely diagnoses, which enable veterinarians to treat
animals effectively. With the advancements in technology, veterinary
diagnostics have become more advanced and sophisticated, allowing for more
accurate and efficient diagnoses.
One of the most commonly used diagnostic tools in veterinary
medicine is blood testing. Blood tests can provide information on the animal's
overall health, including their immune system function, organ function, and
hormonal balance. Blood tests are also useful in diagnosing specific diseases,
such as heartworm disease, feline leukemia virus, and canine parvovirus.
Another common diagnostic tool is radiography, which uses
X-rays to visualize the internal structures of an animal's body. Radiography is
useful in diagnosing bone fractures, identifying foreign objects in the
digestive tract, and detecting tumors or other abnormalities in the chest or
abdomen.
Ultrasound is another diagnostic tool commonly used in
veterinary medicine. It uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of
internal structures. Ultrasound is particularly useful in diagnosing pregnancy,
identifying tumors or cysts, and evaluating organ function.
In addition to these traditional diagnostic tools,
veterinary medicine also utilizes advanced technologies such as magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans. These tools are
particularly useful in diagnosing neurological conditions, as they provide
detailed images of the brain and spinal cord.
When it comes to veterinary diagnostics, accuracy is
crucial. Misdiagnosis can result in ineffective treatment or even harm to the
animal. That's why it's important to choose a qualified veterinarian who has
experience in diagnosing and treating the specific condition your animal is
facing.
Dynamics of Veterinary Diagnostics Market
Drivers in Veterinary
Diagnostics Market
The veterinary diagnostics market is expected to grow
significantly due to increasing disease control and prevention measures. With
previous outbreaks of diseases that have been declared eradicated, such as
Rinderpest, there has been increased vigilance regarding the possibility of
their re-emergence. This has led to the development of preventive measures,
including constant diagnostic checks, to help in emergencies. In addition,
there have been numerous zoonotic breakouts reported every year, making it
crucial for countries to strengthen their capabilities to prevent and respond
to these diseases. As a result, the demand for innovative diagnostic products
to detect, monitor, and limit disease outbreaks is expected to increase. The
availability of advanced diagnostic technologies will enable veterinarians to
provide better diagnosis and treatment, driving the overall market for
veterinary diagnostics worldwide.
Other factors contributing to the growth of the veterinary
diagnostics market include increased expenditure on animal health, rising
incidence of zoonotic diseases, and technological advancements in point of care
diagnostics. Additionally, the growing acceptance of innovative techniques in
most laboratories is driving the market growth. For example, AeroCollect
technology developed by FORCE Technology in Denmark, which offers a picture of
diseases in a herd using simple air samples, is presently used in the swine,
poultry, and mink industries.
However, the global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the
veterinary diagnostics market. While animals cannot spread the virus,
human-to-animal transmission has been reported in a few countries. The limited
operation of veterinary clinics due to stringent lockdown norms has resulted in
a decline in veterinary visits, thereby impacting the market.
Opportunities in
Veterinary Diagnostics Market
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has prompted animal health authorities
to conduct tests to understand the impact of the virus on animals. According to
research studies, felines appear to be more vulnerable to the virus compared to
other animals. However, it has been observed that the virus spreads less from
animal-to-animal as compared to human-to-human or human-to-animal.
Recently, IDEXX and Zoetis introduced a Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR) panel in April 2020, which can be used to detect the COVID-19
virus in animals. These PCR tests are now commercially available to
veterinarians and pet owners. Although the American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA) does not recommend routine diagnostic use of these tests,
they can be ordered after all other possible diseases have been ruled out. It
is expected that with time, more pet owners will opt for PCR testing panels to
rule out the COVID-19 virus in their pets, thus creating new opportunities for
molecular diagnostic panels in the industry.
Restraints in
Veterinary Diagnostics Market
The high cost of advanced veterinary diagnostic tests poses
a significant challenge to their widespread adoption. According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the estimated cost of public health
expenditure on rabies disease diagnostics, prevention, and control in the US
ranges from USD 300 million to USD 550 million per year. This cost includes
expenses related to vaccinating companion animals, national rabies diagnostic
testing, and biologics for rabies postexposure and preexposure prophylaxis.
However, the total cost of rabies, including healthcare expenses and animal control
measures, is much higher.
In addition, veterinary diagnostic imaging systems are also
costly, with small portable machines starting at around USD 2,000-3,000 and
higher-end models reaching USD 50,000. Additional costs, such as backup
transducer probes and printers, can also add up quickly. These high costs can
be prohibitive for many small and medium-sized veterinary practices that have
limited budgets. Furthermore, the lack of reimbursement for veterinary
procedures further limits the uptake of veterinary diagnostics, thus restraining
the growth of the market.
Despite these challenges, the veterinary diagnostics market
has shown a V-shaped recovery during the third quarter of 2020, driven by the
resumption of pet clinic visits and the easing of pandemic-related
restrictions. According to IDEXX, U.S. clinic visits increased by 6% in the
fourth quarter of 2020, which is expected to drive market growth over the
forecast period. Additionally, an increase in pet adoption will further support
market growth, as shelters, nonprofit rescues, and private breeders have reported
high consumer demand post-COVID-19 in the U.S.
Strong product pipelines from companies such as IDEXX,
Zoetis, and Heska Corp. are expected to propel market growth in the coming
years. For example, Zoetis acquired Scandinavian Micro Biodevices in 2020 to
expand its revenue in veterinary diagnostics. Furthermore, veterinarians have
been gradually increasing the frequency of diagnostic testing, a trend that was
highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when hospitals had to focus on
essential pet services. Continued growth in the pet population and increased
penetration of veterinary diagnostic products in veterinary clinics are
expected to further promote market growth.
Challenges in
Veterinary Diagnostics Market
The lack of awareness about animal healthcare services in
emerging countries such as India, China, Brazil, and Southeast Asian countries
is posing a challenge for the growth of the veterinary diagnostics market.
Despite having a large population of companion and farm animals, these
countries allocate lower animal health expenditure compared to North American
and European countries. The lack of awareness among pet owners and
veterinarians about the availability of animal healthcare services is the
primary reason for this. Additionally, farm animal health expenditure in these
countries is mostly focused on therapeutic treatment, and veterinary
diagnostics are not extensively used in large animal practices. Although these
regions hold a high growth potential for the veterinary diagnostics market, the
lack of awareness among the people regarding animal healthcare will hinder the
growth of the market in these areas.
Ecosystem of Veterinary Diagnostics Market
The veterinary diagnostics market is divided into various
segments based on products, technology, and end-users. The consumables and
instruments are two products segments, and among them, the consumables segment
is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The market
growth is driven by the increasing incidence of new infectious diseases, such
as the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection, and the rising demand for rapid diagnostics
in animals.
In terms of technology, the market is segmented into various
categories, including clinical biochemistry, immunodiagnostics, molecular
diagnostics, hematology, urinalysis, and other veterinary diagnostic
technologies. The clinical biochemistry segment is expected to register the
highest CAGR during the forecast period. In the veterinary industry, clinical
biochemistry analysis is utilized to diagnose diseases, screen disease
progression, and monitor responses to therapy, leading to the highest growth in
the global market.
Among end-users, the veterinary reference laboratories
segment accounted for the largest share of the global veterinary diagnostics
market. These laboratories are major end-users in the global market, and they
perform complex and highly specialized diagnostic tests that may not be
possible in clinics and hospitals. As a result, they offer a wide range of
testing services, which leads to the largest share in the global market. Other
end-users in the veterinary diagnostics market include veterinary hospitals
& clinics, point-of-care testing/in-house testing, and veterinary research
institutes & universities.
The global market for veterinary diagnostics has been
divided into product categories, which include test consumables, reagents &
kits, and instruments & devices. Among these, the consumables, reagents
& kits segment held the largest market share during the forecast period. It
is projected to maintain its dominant position throughout the forecast period
and expand at the fastest CAGR of approximately 13.6%. The demand for these
products in veterinary clinics, hospitals, labs, and other settings is a key
factor in determining the overall market.
There has been an increasing demand for point-of-care
diagnostics from pet owners, which commonly include blood glucose monitors,
pregnancy kits, and urinalysis strips for companion animals. In contrast,
diagnostic tests for livestock are mostly confined to labs due to high
sensitivity and efficacy requirements. The consumption and usage of consumables
& reagents in diagnosis are increasing, driven by the growing awareness of
zoonotic diseases and the increasing number of pet adoptions & concern for
their health.
During the forecast period, the canine species segment
captured the largest share of more than 35% of the global revenue. The
increasing spending on animal healthcare, particularly in developed regions, is
driving this trend. The rising prevalence of major diseases such as obesity,
diabetes, and cancer in dogs is also contributing to the growth of the market.
According to a report by APOP, around 53% of dogs in the US are obese, which
increases their risk of chronic conditions such as joint diseases and diabetes.
The feline segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR
of about 12% in the near future. This is due to the increasing concern of pet
owners, which has led to regular diagnosis of glucose levels and consequently
increased demand for glucose monitors. The porcine segment also held a
substantial share of the market during the forecast period, owing to the
growing consumption of pork and demand for better diagnostic procedures.
MatMaCorp has launched MYRTA, a hand-held real-time polymerase chain reaction
device that provides over-the-counter and point-of-care molecular diagnostic
solutions for human and animal health. The MYRTA system has the potential to
detect porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, making it useful for
veterinary health.
During the forecast period, the non-infectious diseases
segment accounted for over 23% of the global revenue. The veterinary
diagnostics market has seen an increase in the number of innovative
technologies for disease detection in animals. For instance, Lab on a Chip
technology can analyze electrolytic imbalances in body fluids like blood,
urine, and milk. Meanwhile, the hereditary, congenital, and acquired diseases
segment is expected to grow the fastest, at a rate of approximately 17% over
the forecast period. These types of diseases are becoming more prevalent.
Genetic diseases are not easily detectable in the beginning,
making molecular screening a recommended method of diagnosis. Infectious
diseases in animals pose a significant threat to global human and animal
populations. Controlling these diseases is critical in preventing epidemics and
the spread of infections from animal to animal or animal to humans. Some
prevalent animal diseases include brucellosis, influenza, respiratory and
reproductive diseases, herpes, and tuberculosis.
The global veterinary diagnostics market has been divided
into different end-use segments, including laboratories, hospitals, clinics,
in-house testing, and research institutes & universities. Among these,
laboratories held the largest revenue share of over 32% during the forecast
period. This can be attributed to the increasing demand for veterinary
diagnostic services in these facilities. Veterinary hospitals & clinics
were the second-largest end-use segment, as they provide a wide range of diagnostic
options to pet owners. Furthermore, the use of advanced analyzers for
diagnostic purposes in veterinary hospitals has also increased, driving the
market's growth.
The point of care (POC) segment is expected to exhibit the
fastest CAGR of 13% over the forecast period. The convenience and quick results
offered by technologically advanced diagnostics such as in-house analyzers and
POC tests have made them increasingly popular among end consumers, including
pet owners. As veterinary diagnostics continue to advance, there is a growing
trend of POC testing in livestock and other animals, which provides an
opportunity for market players to expand their POC portfolio and tests segment.
Research institutes also play a crucial role in the
development and usage of veterinary diagnostics. They are involved in
identifying, deploying, and developing new diagnostic methods or procedures for
research and monitoring purposes of newly emerging or existing diseases in
animals. In conclusion, the global veterinary diagnostics market is expected to
continue to grow owing to the increasing demand for advanced diagnostic
services in different end-use segments.
Regional Insights
North America has been identified as the largest market for
veterinary diagnostics, with the region holding the largest share in the global
market. The North American market is expected to maintain its dominance due to
various factors such as the increasing population of companion and
food-producing animals, the availability of advanced veterinary reference
laboratories, rising expenditure on veterinary healthcare, and growth in pet
insurance coverage. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific market is projected to exhibit
the highest growth rate, with an estimated growth rate of over 14% during the
forecast period. Factors such as the rise in middle-class households, increased
disposable income, growing acceptance of pet animals, and high demand for
animal proteins are expected to boost the growth of the regional market.
Overall, the veterinary diagnostics market is predicted to
grow in all regions due to the increasing trend of pet ownership and demand for
livestock products. In Europe, the veterinary diagnostics market is projected
to reach $2.9 billion during the forecast period, growing at a CAGR of 10.5%.
In North America, the market is expected to reach $5.9 billion during the
forecast period, growing at a CAGR of 8.2%. In South America, the market is
projected to reach $556 million during the forecast period, growing at a CAGR
of 7.8%. In Africa, the market is expected to reach $451 million during the
forecast period, growing at a CAGR of 7.1%. Lastly, in the APAC region, the
market is projected to reach $4.2 billion during the forecast period, growing
at a CAGR of 9.1%. The growth in these markets is being driven by several
factors such as the increasing demand for animal-derived food products, the
rising incidence of zoonotic diseases, and growing awareness of animal health.
Dominating Companies in Veterinary Diagnostics Market
- IDEXX LABORATORIES, INC.
- ZOETIS, INC.
- THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC, INC.
- HESKA CORPORATION
- BIOMÉRIEUX SA
- NEOGEN CORPORATION
- BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
- VIRBAC
- FUJIFILM HOLDINGS CORPORATION
- SHENZHEN MINDRAY ANIMAL MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
- INDICAL BIOSCIENCE GMBH
- BIONOTE INC.
- BIOGAL GALED LABS
- AGROLABO S.P.A.
- IDVET
- RANDOX LABORATORIES LTD.
- BIOCHEK
- FASSISI GMBH
- ALVEDIA
- SKYER, INC.
- SHENZHEN BIOEASY BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
- BIOPANDA REAGENTS
- PRECISION BIOSENSOR, INC.
- SKYLA CORPORATION
- EUROIMMUN MEDIZINISCHE LABORDIAGNOSTIKA AG
- Covetrus
- iM3Vet Pty Ltd.
Recent Developments in Veterinary Diagnostics Market
- In 2020, IDEXX Laboratories acquired a veterinary diagnostic
laboratory in India called Madras Veterinary Diagnostic Services. This
acquisition allowed IDEXX to expand its presence in the Indian market and offer
its diagnostic services to more customers.
- In 2020, Zoetis Inc. announced a partnership with Dairy
Farmers of America (DFA) to bring diagnostic and predictive analytics to the
dairy industry. This partnership aimed to provide dairy farmers with advanced
diagnostic tools to improve herd health and productivity.
- In 2020, Virbac, a French animal health company, acquired
EMBRAPA, a Brazilian biotechnology company specializing in animal health
diagnostics. This acquisition allowed Virbac to expand its presence in Latin America
and strengthen its diagnostics capabilities.
- In 2019, Heska Corporation acquired scil animal care company
GmbH, a European provider of veterinary diagnostic solutions. This acquisition
allowed Heska to expand its presence in the European market and offer a wider
range of diagnostic solutions to its customers.
- In 2018, IDEXX Laboratories announced a partnership with
Agfa HealthCare to provide cloud-based diagnostic imaging solutions for
veterinary practices. This partnership aimed to provide veterinarians with
faster and more accurate diagnostic imaging solutions to improve patient care.
- In December 2021, global diagnostics company Zoetis
announced its acquisition of Ethos Diagnostic Science, a leading provider of
advanced diagnostics and pathology services for veterinarians in the United
States. The acquisition will expand Zoetis' portfolio of diagnostics offerings
and enhance its ability to provide comprehensive solutions to veterinarians.
- In November 2021, IDEXX Laboratories announced a strategic
partnership with Ceva Santé Animale, a global veterinary pharmaceutical
company, to develop and distribute in-clinic point-of-care diagnostic tests for
companion animals. The partnership aims to improve the accuracy and speed of
diagnosis for common infectious diseases in dogs and cats.
- In June 2021, animal health company Heska Corporation
announced its acquisition of Scil Animal Care Company, a provider of in-clinic
diagnostic solutions for veterinarians in Europe. The acquisition will expand
Heska's global footprint and strengthen its position in the European veterinary
diagnostics market.
- In January 2021, animal health company Idexx Laboratories
announced a partnership with E.I. Medical Imaging, a leader in veterinary
ultrasound technology. The partnership aims to develop and market innovative
diagnostic imaging solutions for veterinarians, with a focus on the use of
artificial intelligence to improve image quality and accuracy.
- In October 2020, global healthcare company Roche announced
its acquisition of Stratos Genomics, a company specializing in the development
of next-generation sequencing technologies for molecular diagnostics. The
acquisition will enable Roche to expand its portfolio of diagnostic solutions
and accelerate the development of new tests for veterinary medicine.
In conclusion, veterinary diagnostics are an essential
component of animal healthcare. With the help of these tools and technologies,
veterinarians can provide accurate and effective diagnoses, leading to better
treatment outcomes for animals. By staying up-to-date on the latest
advancements in veterinary diagnostics, we can ensure that our animal
companions receive the best possible care.