U.S. Consumers Spend Nearly $5 Billion To Protect Health of Pets and Farm Animals

Pet Health Supplies

Spending on products used to treat and prevent disease in both pets and farm animals in the United States in 2004 reached nearly $5 billion - an increase of 5 percent compared to 2003, not adjusted for inflation, according to the Animal Health Institute's Market Sales Report.

Pet health products are the pharmaceuticals and biologics used by veterinarians and pet owners to extend the length and quality of life of companion animals, including dogs, cats and horses. In recent years spending on companion animals has overtaken spending on farm animals, and in 2004 companion animal products accounted for 58 percent of total sales.

Animal health products also contribute to safe food by providing veterinarians, farmers and ranchers with the tools needed to keep animals healthy.

"The increased importance of pets in our everyday lives and the emphasis on food safety improvements demonstrate the need for good animal health," said AHI President and CEO Alexander S. Mathews. "Worldwide events of the past year show the interrelationship of animal health and human health and increase the need for products that can keep animals healthy."

The sales survey shows product sales in three major product categories - pharmaceuticals, biologics and feed additives. Sales data were provided to AHI by CEESA, a non-profit international association based in Belgium. CEESA collects sales data on the animal health market in Europe as well. Total sales for the entire U.S. animal health products industry were tabulated based on projections made by AHI using sales data collected from CEESA. Sales are for products priced at the manufacturer's level.

CEESA reporting companies represent more than 70 percent of the U.S. animal health products industry.

A report compiling sales and research and development data from 2002-2004 is available from AHI. The report includes total combined sales figures of CEESA reporting companies and includes graphical representations of the data. The report is $150 USD: copies can be ordered by calling Marie Gilmore at the Animal Health Institute at (202) 637-2440.

Animal Health Institute represents the manufacturers of animal health products - the pharmaceuticals, vaccines and feed additives used in modern food production, and the medicines that keep pets healthy. www.ahi.org