Veterinary medicines sales increase by 7%
It also disclosed that vaccine sales were very strong and now account for 22% of the overall market.
APHA is the representative body for manufacturers and sole distributors of health products for animals and plants in Ireland.
Declan O’Brien, director, said the overall performance of veterinary medicines in the market last year was very satisfactory. The best performing segments were medicines for treating internal parasites, which make up 25% of the market at a value of 24m, and vaccines, worth 20m.
“Growth occurred across the majority of the sectors of the market, but it is especially pleasing to see the vaccine market share increase by 8% with expansion across all species.”
Mr O’Brien said since 1999, the value of the vaccine market has increased by 44% indicating very high awareness among farmers of the value of preventing disease as opposed to treating sick animals. He also said it was highly desirable that vaccines remain as freely available as possible.
Availability through a wide range of routes ensures competition in the marketplace which delivers good value to the farmer. This in turn helps to ensure that vaccines are used to the greatest extent possible.
If distribution routes are limited, cost to the farmer at the point of sale will double to 40m, leading to reduced vaccine usage.
Mr O’Brien said the overall growth in the market points to the importance that farmers are placing on the on-farm animal medicines programmes and the significance that they place on professional animal husbandry techniques.
