Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F

Global Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market was valued at USD 39.73 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.79% through 2029. The Global Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market is a dynamic sector within the broader landscape of veterinary medicine and pharmaceuticals, encompassing a range of products and services aimed at assessing the efficacy of antimicrobial agents against pathogens affecting animals. With the increasing concern over antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in veterinary settings and its potential impact on animal health, food safety, and public health, there has been a growing emphasis on antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) to guide treatment decisions and antimicrobial stewardship programs. This market comprises various diagnostic methods, including disk diffusion, broth microdilution, and automated systems, designed to determine the susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates to different antimicrobial agents. Factors such as the rising prevalence of infectious diseases in animals, the growing demand for companion animals, and the intensification of livestock production systems are driving the expansion of this market globally.

Regulatory initiatives and guidelines aimed at promoting prudent antimicrobial use in veterinary practice further underscore the importance of AST in ensuring effective treatment outcomes while mitigating the risk of AMR development. Key market players are continually innovating to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of AST technologies, leveraging advancements in molecular diagnostics, automation, and data analytics. Collaborations between veterinary diagnostic laboratories, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders play a pivotal role in advancing research, standardizing testing protocols, and addressing emerging challenges in veterinary antimicrobial susceptibility testing. As the global awareness of AMR continues to escalate, the veterinary AST market is poised for sustained growth, driven by the imperative to safeguard animal health, ensure food security, and preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents for future generations.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Infectious Diseases in Animals

The rising prevalence of infectious diseases in animals is a key driver behind the burgeoning growth of the global veterinary antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) market. Animals, both companion pets and those in agricultural settings, face a myriad of infectious pathogens that can compromise their health and well-being. Factors such as increased global travel, urbanization encroaching on wildlife habitats, and changes in agricultural practices have contributed to the spread of infectious diseases among animal populations. In companion animals, such as dogs and cats, infectious diseases like canine parvovirus, feline leukemia virus, and bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli pose significant health risks. These diseases can lead to severe illness, organ damage, and in some cases, mortality if left untreated. The close proximity between humans and companion animals creates opportunities for zoonotic transmission, further highlighting the importance of effective disease management in veterinary medicine.

Similarly, livestock animals are susceptible to a range of infectious pathogens that can cause devastating losses for farmers and threaten food security. Diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and bacterial infections like Salmonella and Mycoplasma can spread rapidly within densely populated animal populations, leading to economic losses due to decreased productivity, mortality, and trade restrictions. In response to the rising threat of infectious diseases, veterinarians increasingly rely on antimicrobial agents for treatment. However, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance poses challenges to effective disease management, necessitating the use of veterinary antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) to guide treatment decisions. AST enables veterinarians to determine the most appropriate antimicrobial therapy for individual cases, taking into account the susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates. By tailoring treatment to the specific resistance profiles of pathogens, AST helps optimize treatment outcomes, minimize the spread of antimicrobial resistance, and preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. As the prevalence of infectious diseases in animals continues to rise, driven by various environmental, social, and economic factors, the demand for veterinary AST solutions is expected to escalate. This trend underscores the critical role of AST in safeguarding animal health, promoting antimicrobial stewardship, and ensuring sustainable veterinary medicine practices globally.

Intensification of Livestock Production Systems

The intensification of livestock production systems is a significant driver behind the growth of the global veterinary antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) market. With the increasing demand for animal protein to feed a growing global population, livestock producers are under pressure to maximize production efficiency while ensuring animal health and welfare. Intensification involves practices such as confinement housing, high-density stocking, and intensive feeding regimes, which create ideal conditions for the transmission and spread of infectious diseases among animals. Livestock animals are susceptible to a wide range of bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens that can cause diseases such as respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and reproductive disorders. In intensively managed production systems, where large numbers of animals are housed in close proximity, the risk of disease outbreaks is heightened. As a result, antimicrobial agents are commonly used for disease prevention and control in livestock farming.

However, the routine use of antimicrobials in animal agriculture has contributed to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, posing threats to animal health, food safety, and public health. To address these challenges, veterinary antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) plays a crucial role in guiding antimicrobial use and ensuring effective disease management in livestock production systems. AST enables veterinarians and livestock producers to assess the susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates to different antimicrobial agents, helping to identify the most appropriate treatment options for infectious diseases. By tailoring antimicrobial therapy to the specific resistance profiles of pathogens, AST helps optimize treatment outcomes, minimize the development of antimicrobial resistance, and preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. Regulatory pressures and consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced food have heightened the need for responsible antimicrobial use in livestock farming. Regulatory agencies worldwide are implementing policies to promote antimicrobial stewardship and prudent antibiotic use in animals, driving the adoption of AST as a tool for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Market Challenges

Emergence of Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens

The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens presents a significant challenge for veterinary AST. Multidrug-resistant bacteria, which are resistant to multiple classes of antimicrobial agents, complicate treatment decisions and limit the effectiveness of available antibiotics. The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens in veterinary settings, including livestock farms, companion animal clinics, and wildlife populations, underscores the urgent need for robust AST solutions that can accurately detect and characterize antimicrobial resistance patterns. Without effective AST methods, veterinarians may struggle to identify suitable treatment options for infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens, leading to treatment failures and compromised animal health.

Economic Constraints and Cost Considerations

Economic constraints and cost considerations present challenges to the widespread adoption of veterinary AST, particularly in resource-limited settings. AST testing can be expensive, requiring specialized equipment, reagents, and trained personnel to perform and interpret results accurately. The cost of antimicrobial susceptibility testing may not always be covered by veterinary insurance plans or reimbursed by pet owners, limiting access to these essential diagnostic services. As a result, veterinarians may face financial barriers to implementing AST in their practice, leading to underutilization of these valuable diagnostic tools. Efforts to reduce the cost of AST testing, increase accessibility, and explore alternative funding models are needed to overcome economic constraints and ensure equitable access to veterinary AST services for all animal patients.

Key Market Trends

Technological Advancements in Diagnostic Methods

Technological advancements in diagnostic methods are playing a pivotal role in driving the growth of the global veterinary antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) market. As the veterinary industry continues to evolve, there is a growing emphasis on leveraging innovative technologies to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of AST solutions. Traditional AST techniques, such as disk diffusion and broth microdilution, have long been the gold standard for determining the susceptibility of bacterial isolates to antimicrobial agents. However, these methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require specialized expertise to perform and interpret results accurately. In response to these challenges, technological advancements have led to the development of automated AST systems, molecular methods, and digital platforms that revolutionize the way AST is conducted in veterinary medicine.

Automated AST platforms streamline the testing process by automating steps such as inoculation, incubation, and result interpretation. These systems offer several advantages, including reduced hands-on time, improved workflow efficiency, and standardized testing protocols. Automated AST systems often incorporate advanced data management capabilities, allowing for seamless integration with laboratory information systems and electronic medical records. Molecular methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), have also transformed veterinary AST by providing rapid and accurate detection of antimicrobial resistance genes and mechanisms. Unlike traditional culture-based methods, molecular AST techniques can identify resistance markers directly from clinical samples, enabling clinicians to make informed treatment decisions more quickly. Molecular AST can detect resistance mechanisms that may not be apparent using conventional methods, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility.

Digital platforms and software solutions are another area of innovation in veterinary AST, offering cloud-based data management, analysis, and reporting capabilities. These platforms facilitate collaboration between veterinary clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and researchers, allowing for real-time data sharing and trend analysis. Digital platforms enhance accessibility to AST results for veterinarians and pet owners, empowering them to make informed treatment decisions remotely.

Regulatory Initiatives Promoting Antimicrobial Stewardship

Regulatory initiatives promoting antimicrobial stewardship are playing a crucial role in boosting the global veterinary antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) market. As concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continue to escalate, governments and regulatory agencies worldwide are implementing policies aimed at regulating the use of antimicrobial agents in animals, promoting responsible antibiotic use, and mitigating the spread of AMR. These regulatory initiatives are driving increased awareness among veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners about the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine. With stricter regulations governing the use of antimicrobials in animals, there is a growing need for accurate and timely AST solutions to guide treatment decisions and ensure optimal outcomes for animal patients.

Veterinary AST plays a crucial role in supporting regulatory compliance by providing evidence-based guidance on antimicrobial therapy. By determining the susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates to different antimicrobial agents, AST helps veterinarians select the most appropriate treatment options, minimize the development of antimicrobial resistance, and optimize antimicrobial use. Regulatory initiatives are driving demand for standardized AST protocols and quality assurance measures in veterinary laboratories. Accreditation programs and proficiency testing schemes are being established to ensure the accuracy and reliability of AST results, thereby enhancing confidence in veterinary diagnostics and promoting best practices in antimicrobial stewardship.

In addition to promoting responsible antibiotic use, regulatory initiatives are also encouraging investment in research and development of innovative AST technologies. Governments and regulatory agencies are providing funding and incentives to support the development of new diagnostic methods, automation technologies, and digital platforms for veterinary AST. These advancements enable veterinarians to conduct AST more efficiently, accurately, and cost-effectively, driving market growth and innovation in the veterinary diagnostics industry.

Segmental Insights

Animal Type Insights

Based on the animal type, livestock animals emerged as the dominant segment in the Global Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market in 2023. The intensification of livestock production systems has led to an increased demand for veterinary antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) services. In densely populated livestock farms, where animals are often raised in confined spaces, the risk of infectious disease outbreaks is heightened. Consequently, livestock producers rely on AST to guide antimicrobial treatment decisions and minimize the spread of antimicrobial resistance among their herds. Also, the economic significance of livestock animals further contributes to their dominance in the veterinary AST market. Livestock animals, including cattle, pigs, poultry, and sheep, represent valuable assets for farmers and producers. As such, there is a strong incentive to invest in veterinary diagnostics, including AST, to maintain the health and productivity of livestock populations. AST helps farmers optimize antimicrobial use, reduce treatment costs, and mitigate the economic impact of disease outbreaks on livestock production.

Companion Animal segment is anticipated to dominate in the forecast period due to the increasing pet ownership worldwide, leading to a higher demand for veterinary services. As more households consider pets as family members, there is a heightened emphasis on their health and well-being, prompting frequent veterinary visits and advanced medical care.

Product Insights

Based on the product, automated AST instruments segment emerged as the dominant segment in the Global Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market in 2023. automated AST instruments offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency and workflow optimization. These instruments streamline the testing process by automating key steps such as inoculation, incubation, and result interpretation. As a result, veterinary laboratories can achieve faster turnaround times and higher throughput, allowing for more rapid diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections in animals. The ability to process many samples efficiently makes automated AST instruments particularly well-suited for high-volume testing environments, such as diagnostic laboratories and large veterinary clinics. Also, automated AST instruments provide greater accuracy and reproducibility compared to manual testing methods. By standardizing testing protocols and minimizing human error, these instruments ensure consistent and reliable susceptibility results. This reliability is essential for guiding antimicrobial therapy decisions and optimizing treatment outcomes for animal patients.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific market is poised to experience remarkable growth in the Global Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market over the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region has a large population of companion animals, including dogs, cats, and exotic pets, due to changing socio-economic factors and urbanization trends. The increasing pet ownership trend is driving demand for veterinary diagnostics, including AST, to address the growing burden of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance in companion animals. Regulatory initiatives aimed at promoting responsible antimicrobial use and addressing antimicrobial resistance are gaining traction in the Asia Pacific region. Governments and regulatory agencies are implementing policies to regulate the use of antimicrobial agents in animals, promote prudent antibiotic use, and enhance veterinary healthcare standards. Compliance with regulatory requirements is driving the adoption of AST in veterinary practice and research institutions across the region.

Key Market Players

• Becton, Dickinson and Company
• BioMérieux SA
• Synbiosis Ltd.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Bruker Corporation
• Danaher Corporation
• LABORATORIOS CONDA, S.A
• Bioguard Corporation
• Liofilchem S.r.l.
• HiMedia Laboratories Private Limited

Report Scope:

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

Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market, By Animal Type:

• Livestock Animals
• Companion Animals

Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market, By Product:

• Disks & Plates
• Culture Media
• Accessories & Consumables
• Automated AST Instruments

Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market, By End Use:

• Veterinary Reference Lab
• Veterinary Research Institutes
• Others

Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing 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 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market.

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Global Veterinary Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Market report with the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

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