Slow market overturned as sales of animal health products rise by 5%

SALES of animal health products have increased 5% in the past year against a static market for the previous two years, the Animal and Plant Health Association (APHA) conference was told in Killenard, Co Laois, yesterday.

The figures, compiled by Gfk Kynetec, which monitors sales of animal medicines, show a continuation in the trend towards preventive medicines and a reduction in the use of antibiotics.

Vaccine use by farmers to prevent cattle diseases rose 8% in the 12 months to July last, while pig farmers increased their use of vaccines 25%. In contrast, the use of antibiotic injections fell 2% in the past year, on top of a drop of almost 3% in the previous year.