The animal health industry is entering a transformative phase at the intersection of technology, science, and growing consumer awareness. With increasing recognition of its vital role in food security, zoonotic disease prevention, and the rapidly expanding pet care market, the sector is evolving to meet complex global challenges.
From precision technologies to sustainable innovations, animal health is no longer just about care—it’s about creating systems that are efficient, data-driven, and responsive to modern needs. In fact, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reports that over 75% of emerging human infectious diseases originate in animals, highlighting the critical importance of advancements in this field.
This blog explores four key trends poised to redefine animal health in 2025, offering a glimpse into the future of veterinary care, disease prevention, and sustainability.
Trend 1: Growth of Telemedicine and Digital Health Tools
Telemedicine is revolutionising animal health by making veterinary care more accessible, data-driven, and cost-efficient. Through virtual consultations and the growing adoption of wearable devices, pets and livestock can now receive timely medical attention without the need for frequent in-person visits. This trend is reshaping how animal health is monitored and managed, particularly in rural or underserved areas where access to veterinary services has traditionally been limited.
Wearable devices, such as smart collars and health trackers, provide real-time insights into animals’ vital signs, activity levels, and behavioural patterns. This continuous data stream enables early detection of illnesses, allowing for faster intervention and improved outcomes. According to a 2024 report by Grand View Research, the global animal telehealth market is projected to grow at over 17% annually, driven by advancements in technology and increasing pet ownership.
For livestock managers, digital health tools offer significant cost savings by streamlining herd management and reducing reliance on emergency veterinary visits. Remote health monitoring also minimises disruptions to farming operations while ensuring the overall health and productivity of animals.
As telemedicine becomes more sophisticated and widely adopted, it is transforming veterinary care into a proactive, technology-driven practice that benefits both pets and livestock. This shift not only improves animal health outcomes but also enhances convenience and affordability for owners and caretakers.
Case Study: VetTriage’s Remote Consultations for Exotic Species
VetTriage, a telemedicine service based in Las Vegas, Nevada, has expanded its offerings to include remote consultations for exotic animal species. By utilizing video conferencing and digital diagnostic tools, veterinarians can assess and advise on the care of exotic pets, such as reptiles, birds, and small mammals, without the need for the animal to be transported. This approach minimises stress for the animals and reduces logistical challenges for owners. For example, a case study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science detailed how VetTriage provided remote guidance for a client with a pet iguana exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. Through video consultation, the veterinarian recommended immediate environmental adjustments and arranged for in-person follow-up care, effectively managing the situation without initial physical examination.
Trend 2: Advancements in Vaccination and Disease Prevention
The animal health industry is seeing a breakthrough in disease prevention, driven by innovative vaccine technologies such as mRNA-based vaccines and edible vaccines. These new-generation solutions are poised to combat zoonotic diseases, which can jump from animals to humans, and address challenges in livestock care by making vaccination easier, more effective, and scalable.
Traditional vaccines often face logistical hurdles, such as the need for a cold chain to maintain efficacy, especially in remote or developing regions. mRNA-based vaccines, already proven in human health, offer a promising alternative. These vaccines can be more stable at higher temperatures, significantly reducing cold chain dependency and making distribution easier and more cost-effective. Additionally, edible vaccines—delivered through food or water—can simplify the vaccination process for livestock, lowering costs for farmers and minimising handling stress on animals.
This innovation is particularly critical in agriculture, where disease outbreaks can lead to significant economic losses. For instance, mRNA vaccines could prevent livestock diseases like Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which devastates animal populations and disrupts trade. By improving disease prevention, these technologies reduce the impact of outbreaks on agriculture, helping stabilise food supply chains.
The potential of these vaccines extends beyond agriculture—by addressing zoonotic diseases, they improve global health security, reducing the risk of outbreaks that could threaten human populations. This makes them an essential part of global efforts to combat emerging diseases, especially in regions with limited access to conventional vaccination methods. As these innovations continue to develop, they will offer scalable and cost-effective solutions, transforming the future of animal health care worldwide.
Case Study: Development of mRNA Vaccines for Avian Influenza in Livestock
In response to the avian influenza outbreak affecting U.S. dairy cows, researchers are developing mRNA vaccines to protect both animals and humans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture initiated trials in June 2024, administering a vaccine developed by the University of Pennsylvania to dairy calves. This approach aims to reduce virus transmission to dairy workers and mitigate the risk of human-to-human spread. The vaccine leverages mRNA technology, similar to COVID-19 vaccines, offering a rapid and adaptable solution to emerging infectious diseases.
Trend 3: Alternative Proteins for Animal Feed
As sustainability becomes a top priority, alternative proteins such as insect-based feeds, algae, and lab-grown ingredients are emerging as viable replacements for traditional animal feed sources. These alternatives are not only nutritionally equivalent to conventional feeds but also offer significant environmental benefits, making them key to the future of sustainable agriculture and aquaculture.
The traditional feed industry has long relied on ingredients like soy and fishmeal, which contribute to deforestation and overfishing. By shifting to alternative proteins, farmers and producers can reduce their environmental footprint, helping address critical challenges such as land-use change and biodiversity loss. Insect farming, for example, uses minimal space and water and can be a sustainable source of protein for both livestock and aquaculture. Similarly, algae-based feeds offer a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, essential for healthy animal growth.
These alternative feeds also contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional feed production is resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of land and energy. In contrast, insect farming and algae production have a much smaller carbon footprint, making them crucial for meeting global sustainability goals.
As consumer demand for sustainably raised products increases, livestock and aquaculture producers are turning to these innovative feed solutions to meet both environmental and economic demands. Alternative proteins are becoming an essential part of the livestock and aquaculture sectors, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient future for animal farming worldwide.
Case Study: Krimanshi’s Micro-Algae-Based Animal Feed in India
Krimanshi, based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, has developed a unique formulation for animal feeds using micro-algae. This innovation addresses the challenge that only 11% of farmers’ animal feed requirements are met by the feed industry, with many encountering adulterated feeds lacking quality assurance. By cultivating and harvesting micro-algae, Krimanshi has created a feed that not only meets nutritional needs but also increases milk production. This approach reduces reliance on traditional feed sources, promoting sustainability and enhancing productivity in the dairy sector.
Trend 4: Personalised Medicine for Pets
Advances in genomics and data analytics are revolutionising the way we approach veterinary care, enabling personalised medicine for pets. Just as precision medicine is transforming human healthcare, targeted therapies and breed-specific diets are now being developed for animals. This shift is fueled by the growing demand for premium, customised pet care, as owners seek treatments tailored to their pet’s unique genetic makeup and health needs.
By analyzing a pet’s genetic profile, veterinarians can offer targeted treatments that not only improve health outcomes but also prevent or manage chronic conditions more effectively. For example, genomics can identify predispositions to certain diseases, allowing for early intervention and preventive care. Similarly, breed-specific diets, designed to address the unique nutritional needs of different breeds, are becoming more common, offering pets the highest quality of care suited to their individual requirements.
This trend is driving growth in the premium pet care segment. As consumers increasingly view pets as family members, they are willing to spend more on high-quality, personalised products and services. A report from Pet Food Industry in 2024 found that the demand for premium pet foods and health services grew by 15% globally, reflecting this shift toward customised care.
Personalised pet medicine also fosters innovation in diagnostics and therapeutic options. From AI-powered health monitoring tools to tailored pharmaceutical treatments, the industry is ripe for new solutions that cater to the specific needs of pets. As personalised medicine continues to evolve, it will not only improve the quality of life for pets but also set new standards for veterinary care.
Case Study: VetGen’s Genetic Testing for Personalised Pet Care in the UK
VetGen, a UK-based veterinary genetics company, offers genetic testing services that enable veterinarians to provide personalised care tailored to individual pets. By analysing a pet’s genetic profile, VetGen identifies breed-specific health risks, allowing for early detection and prevention of potential health issues. This approach ensures that treatments and care plans are customised to the unique genetic makeup of each pet, enhancing overall health outcomes. For example, genetic testing can reveal predispositions to certain conditions, enabling proactive management and targeted interventions. This case exemplifies how personalised medicine is being applied in veterinary care to improve the well-being of pets through tailored health strategies.
Final Thoughts
The animal health industry is at the forefront of a transformative period, with trends like telemedicine, advanced vaccinations, alternative proteins for feed, and personalised pet care reshaping the landscape. These trends bridge the gap between science, technology, and sustainability, driving innovation in veterinary care, disease prevention, and the sustainability of agricultural practices. They not only address pressing global challenges like zoonotic diseases and food security but also enhance the well-being of animals, both pets and livestock, in more efficient and humane ways.
As these trends continue to develop, there are vast opportunities for industry stakeholders to engage, whether through investment, partnerships, or the adoption of new practices. By embracing these advancements, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and contribute to a more sustainable and healthier future for animals and humans alike.
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