Animal Antibiotics and Antimicrobials Market Trends

Animal Antibiotics and Antimicrobials Market Overview

Animal Antibiotics And Antimicrobials Market Size was valued at USD 4.32 Billion in 2023. The Global Animal Antibiotics And Antimicrobials industry is projected to grow from USD 4.63 Billion in 2024 to USD 7.85 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.05% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). 

As a result of the increasing ownership of companion animals, large-scale livestock production, and a high incidence of animal diseases, the market for animal antimicrobials and antibiotics is growing significantly. In the coming years, the market will have ample opportunities to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for pet animals and the massive untapped market in emerging economies, such as India and China. The animal antibiotics and antimicrobials market size is expected to reach approximately 7.85 Billion by 2032. Moreover, as the world's livestock population increases, the demand for livestock products will likely increase, boosting the animal antimicrobials and antibiotics market. The growing incidence of livestock diseases is expected to contribute to the growth of this market.

At the Rome office of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the first Plenary Assembly of the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform opened. This two-day meeting, held against 2024 World AMR Awareness Week, has gathered over 150 representatives from not less than 150 participants drawn from all over the world, including governments, civil society, research and academia, private sector financial institutions, intergovernmental organizations, and specialized agencies of the UN. It is meant to provide a common forum for addressing issues related to upholding antimicrobials as life-saving drugs for humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems through a One Health approach.

In September 2023, Global antimicrobial use in animals decreased by 13% in three years1—a great achievement towards preservation of their efficacy. Antibiotics have made it possible for humans and animals to live in better conditions. Prior to its discovery by Alexander Fleming in 1928, penicillin could cause bloodstream infections or death due to minor cuts on one’s body; however, now, these drugs are becoming less effective due to their misuse and overuse within various sectors. The process is called ‘antimicrobial resistance’. It can emerge from an animal, human, or plant population, and then it may pose a threat to any other species. In this regard, understanding when, how, and which antimicrobials are used becomes significant in identifying trends or patterns. As a result, this can make decision-making easier and subsequently the implementation of measures aimed at ensuring proper use of these essential drugs.

In November 2022, Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform was launched to fight against globally rising problems related to antimicrobial resistance. The Quadripartite composed of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), WHO – World Health Organization and WOAH – World organization for animal health are working together in this initiative to underscore that AMR is a real threat to humans, animals, plants, ecosystems and livelihoods. Approximately 1.3 million people die directly from bacterial AMR every year in each continent. If nothing is done, this number could rise significantly, increasing public health costs and plunging more people into poverty, particularly in low-income countries, hence underscoring the necessity of further coordinated action by Platform.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

By imposing strict lockdown and social distancing restrictions by the government to curb the outbreak of COVID-19, the animal antibiotics antimicrobials market was moderately affected. As a result, various manufacturing operations were halted, supply chains were disrupted, business growth was stifled, technology events were canceled, new developments were suspended, and overall production and sales were impacted, limiting industry growth. Additionally, people and animals are expected to exhibit rising levels of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) post-COVID due to an increase in antibiotic-dependent healthcare systems. AMR was linked to overprescriptions during telehealth consultations and easy access to drugs from internet pharmacies; hospitals and communities were interrupted from implementing antibiotic stewardship initiatives, and antibiotics were prescribed to COVID patients who had been misdiagnosed with bacterial bronchitis. As a result, consumers turned away from animal-sourced products negatively.

Animal Antibiotics and Antimicrobials Market Trends

Increasing demand for livestock products, increasing companion animal ownership, an increasing incidence of animal diseases, and an awareness of animal diseases are some factors driving the growth of the animal antimicrobials and antibiotics market. In addition, several government and non-government organizations have developed early warning systems for most animal diseases, boosting the market for animal antibiotics and antimicrobials. However, some factors restraining the growth of the antimicrobials and antibiotics markets, such as stringent regulatory approvals and the increased use of antibiotic alternatives such as feed enzymes and probiotics.

Market Drivers

• Increasing animal health concerns fuel the demand for animal antibiotics and antimicrobials

Increasing concerns have been raised regarding the health of animals. As animal healthcare expenditures increase and pet insurance demand rises, animal antibiotics and antimicrobials are expected to be in high demand, driving this market's growth. As well as increasing initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare and health, the incidence of zoonotic diseases is expected to increase, accelerating the overall market's growth. Moreover, the rapid increase in the consumption of products such as meat and seafood regularly also drives the market growth. There will also be a cushioning effect on market growth from the increasing demand for animal-derived foods and regulations to prevent animal diseases from spreading.

Market Restraints:

• Availability of alternative treatments for refractive errors to curb the market growth

Microorganisms become resistant to antimicrobials due to the intensive use of antimicrobials in animal disease management. According to a recent report published by nature.com, a significant public health challenge is the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria and viruses, which causes 700,000 deaths annually. ly, over 90% of bacteria resist common antibiotics, such as co-trimoxazole, penicillin, ampicillin, and gentamicin. Animal diseases, with 61% of them zoonotic, are the leading cause of human diseases. Antibiotics and antimicrobials can be used to control animal diseases caused by microorganisms. A major concern is antibiotic-resistant bacteria in livestock. Animals used for food can serve as a reservoir for pathogens transmitted from one animal to another directly through the food chain or exposure to the environment.

Market Opportunities:

• Population growth among companion animals

Several positive health benefits have been associated with companion animal adoption, including reduced cardiac arrhythmias, normalized blood pressure, reduced anxiety, improved psychological stability, and improved wellbeing. Consequently, pet owners have increased throughout history due to these benefits. It is estimated that the US dog population has increased from 77.8 million to 89.4 million in 2018–19, while the cat population has increased from 85.8 million to 95.6 million in 2017, according to the APPA National Pet Owners Survey 2018–19. This is also observed in many European countries. According to the India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF), the country has seen an increase in pet ownership rates from 11 million pets in 2014 to 19.5 million in 2018. Emerging markets like Brazil, China, India, and Mexico are also experiencing higher pet ownership rates.

Animal Antibiotics and Antimicrobials Market Segmentation

Delivery Type Insights

The animal antibiotics and antimicrobials market segmentation, based on delivery type, is injections, oral powder, oral solutions, premixes, and others. The animal antibiotics and antimicrobials market growth was prominently high under the premixes category in 2021. The advantages of premixes, such as simplified administration and reduced instability and hygroscopicity, are responsible for a large share of this segment. However, injections are anticipated to be the fastest growing in the coming years. Market growth is expected to be driven by the benefits of immediate drug delivery and the rapid onset of drug effects.

Product Type Insights

The animal antibiotics and antimicrobials market segmentation, based on product type, is aminocoumarins, aminoglycosides, bicyclomycin, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, fusidic acid, macrolides, penicillin, phenicols, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines. In 2021, tetracyclines, animal antibiotics, and antimicrobials accounted for the largest market share of the market. Compared to other animal antimicrobial and antibiotic products, tetracyclines have the highest potency against pathogenic microorganisms, are easily absorbed, are relatively inexpensive, and show low toxicity. These advantages contribute to the high share of this market segment. However, the fluoroquinolones category is estimated to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period due to the characteristics such as increased efficacy at low concentrations and quick penetration through tissues. Fluoroquinolones are widely adopted among end users.

North America

North America dominated the market share in 2021. Comparatively to other regions, this region's market share is largely due to the increasing animal population, the growing demand for animal-derived food products, and the rising animal health expenditures. Further, in North America, the major players in the animal antimicrobials and antibiotics market are investing significant capital into developing drugs.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific will exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. There is an increased livestock population, animal antimicrobial demand, and a high incidence of animal diseases in the region responsible for its fastest growth. As a result of increasing disposable income and companion animal ownership in emerging countries such as India and China, as well as government involvement in combating animal disease outbreaks, the Asia-Pacific animal antimicrobials and antibiotics market is growing.

Animal Antibiotics and Antimicrobials Market Competitive Landscape

The market includes tier-1, tier-2, and local players. The tier-1 and tier-2 players have reach with diverse product portfolios. Companies such as Bayer Animal Health, Bioniche Animal Health, Ceva Sante Animale S.A., Elanco Animal Health, Fort Dodge Animal Health, and Merck Animal Health dominate the market due to product differentiation, financial stability, strategic developments, and diversified regional presence. The players are concentrating on supporting research and development. Furthermore, they embrace strategic growth initiatives, such as development, product introduction, joint ventures, and partnerships, to strengthen their market position and capture an extensive customer base. For instance, as part of a partnership between Gnubiotics Sciences and ADM, a USA-based developer of human and health nutrition solutions, Gnubiotics Sciences, a Swiss biotech company dedicated to solving microbiome-related health conditions in humans and animals, new microbiome solutions for companion animals' wellbeing and health were launched in May 2022.

Key Companies:

• Bayer Animal Health


• Bioniche Animal Health


• Ceva Sante Animale S.A.


• Elanco Animal Health


• Fort Dodge Animal Health


• Merck Animal Health


• Merial


• Novartis Animal Health

Scope of the Animal Antibiotics and Antimicrobials Market Report

Delivery Type Outlook

• Injections


• Oral powder


• Oral solutions


• Premixes


• Others

Product Type Outlook

• Aminocoumarins


• Aminoglycosides


• Bicyclomycin

Region Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • Australia and New Zealand
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • South America
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  
  

Objectives of the Study

The objectives of the study are summarized in 5 stages. They are as mentioned below:

Animal Antibiotics and Antimicrobials Market Forecast & Size:

To identify and estimate the market size for the animal antibiotics and antimicrobials market report segmented by delivery type and product type by value (in US dollars). Also, to understand the consumption/ demand created by consumers in the  animal antibiotics and antimicrobials market forecast between 2022 and 2030

Market Landscape and Trends:

To identify and infer the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the animal antibiotics and antimicrobials market growth

Market Influencing Factors:

To find out the factors which are affecting the animal antibiotics and antimicrobials market size among consumers

Impact of COVID-19:

To identify and understand the various factors involved in the market affected by the pandemic

Company Profiling:

To provide a detailed insight into the major companies operating in the market. The profiling will include the financial health of the company in the past 2-3 years with segmental and regional revenue breakup, product offering, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and key strategies.

Intended Audience

• Animal antibiotics and antimicrobials producers


• Raw material suppliers


• Retailers, wholesalers, and distributors


• Governments, associations, and industrial bodies


• Investors and traders