Preventative medicine use on farms increases by 25%, conference hears

THE use of preventative medicines on farms has increased by 25% in the last 12 months and by 64% in the last five years, those attending the Animal and Plant Health Association conference were told.

The figures compiled by Gfk Kynetec, which monitors trends in the sale of animal health products in over 3,000 outlets nationwide, highlight the dramatic swing towards the use of vaccines to prevent diseases in cattle, sheep and pigs. The outlets include 900 veterinary practices, co-op branches, merchants and pharmacies.

Denise Roche of Gfk Kynetec told the association conference that usage of cattle vaccines increased by 30% in the 12 months to August last and usage of pig vaccines increased by 21%. She said cattle vaccines now account for the biggest segment of the animal health market.

The total market for animal health products in Ireland showed an increase of 10% during the past year — 11.2% in products for cattle, sheep and pigs and 8.8% in products for companion animals and horses. Cattle, sheep and pig producers accounted for 78% of all animal health products used in Ireland in the past year.

Vets account for 55% of all sales of animal health products, up from 44% ten years ago. The market share held by co-ops has dropped from 24% to 15%.

Association chairman Philip Bergin said the upward trend in usage of preventative medicines is a major boost.