Animal Health Innovation Intensifies as Global Threats Escalate
The animal health sector is experiencing accelerated innovation as demand for animal-derived food products grows and threats to animal and public health escalate, prompting new technologies and strategic responses across livestock care and disease management. The health of animals is now recognised as integral to food safety, quality and global food security, driving investments in vaccines, diagnostics, microbiome science, data-driven monitoring, and sustainable production systems.
Experts highlight that healthy animals produce safer and higher-quality food and are less vulnerable to outbreaks, which can disrupt supply chains, increase food costs and strain resources. However, the sector faces mounting challenges from transboundary diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with diseases spreading faster due to climate change, global trade and evolving pathogens. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), more than 75 % of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals, yet the sector remains underfunded with shortages in veterinary workforce, medicines, vaccines and disease surveillance capacity.
The One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health, is increasingly adopted to tackle complex threats like zoonotic diseases and AMR. Innovations now span microbiome research, where prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics are being explored to enhance immunity, reduce reliance on antibiotics and even mitigate methane emissions. Biotech firms are developing targeted microbial solutions, such as probiotics that counteract necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.
Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and African swine fever (ASF) underscore the urgency of effective disease management. Between January 2024 and April 2025, thousands of outbreaks were recorded globally, causing millions of animal losses and significant economic fallout, while vaccination campaigns and strengthened biosecurity are key components of prevention strategies.
Despite technological and scientific progress, the sector remains under-invested relative to its importance. Venture capital activity has declined over recent years, with deal values falling from US$402.1 m in 2022 to US$83.3 m in 2024, reflecting limited dedicated funding for animal health innovations and especially for AMR solutions. Regulatory complexities and lengthy development timelines also present barriers for start-ups seeking market entry.
Looking ahead, continued focus on vaccination, antimicrobial stewardship, genetic innovations, emission-reducing solutions and data infrastructure will be crucial to bolster animal health, protect global food systems and support sustainable livestock production. Cross-sector collaboration, increased funding and policy alignment will be essential to translate innovation into real-world impact.
Source : Dairynews7x7 Dec 27th 2025 Read full story here