PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1930043
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1930043
The global equine health market focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting horses through the use of drugs, vaccines, and supplemental feed additives. Horses are vulnerable to a wide range of infectious and non-infectious diseases, some of which are endemic, while others emerge due to environmental changes and zoonotic risks. Rising disease prevalence, growing awareness of equine welfare, and increasing government and institutional support are driving steady growth in the global equine health market.
Market Size and Forecast
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global equine health market was valued at USD 2.21 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow to USD 2.36 billion in 2026 and further expand to USD 4.08 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 7.07% during the forecast period (2026-2034).
North America dominated the global market with a share of 37.43% in 2025, supported by a strong equine population, advanced veterinary infrastructure, and high adoption of equine healthcare products.
Market Drivers
A major driver of market growth is the increasing prevalence of equine diseases, including West Nile virus, equine influenza, rabies, herpes virus, tetanus, and Potomac horse fever. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there were 90 cases of West Nile virus and 184 cases of eastern equine encephalitis in the U.S. in 2019. Such disease incidence has significantly increased the demand for preventive vaccines and therapeutic drugs.
Additionally, growing awareness of zoonotic disease transmission and initiatives by veterinary organizations and governments are encouraging regular vaccination and preventive care. Rising investments in research and development (R&D) to improve vaccine safety and drug efficacy are also contributing to market expansion.
COVID-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic had a moderate impact on the equine health market. In 2020, growth slowed due to supply chain disruptions, travel restrictions, and reduced veterinary visits to equine farms. However, the market witnessed slight positive growth as veterinary hospitals and clinics resumed operations in the second half of the pandemic.
For instance, Zoetis Services LLC generated USD 215.0 million in net sales from its horse segment in 2020, followed by a 22.3% year-on-year increase in 2021. As veterinary visits normalized, the market returned to its pre-COVID growth trajectory by 2021-2022, stabilizing revenues and supporting long-term growth.
Market Trends
One of the most prominent trends in the equine health market is the shift toward intranasal routes of administration. Intranasal vaccines reduce muscle soreness and enhance local immunity, particularly for respiratory diseases.
For example, in September 2020, Boehringer Ingelheim launched Aservo EquiHaler, the first FDA-approved inhalant therapy for horses with severe equine asthma. Continuous innovation and advanced product launches by key players are accelerating market growth.
Growth Factors
The surge in equine disease prevalence remains a key growth factor. Endemic diseases such as equine influenza in the U.K. and increasing viral outbreaks globally are driving demand for vaccines and drugs. Moreover, rising awareness initiatives, such as the British Equestrian's "Reducing Disease Risk Together" campaign (2022), are improving adoption of preventive healthcare practices, further boosting market growth.
Restraining Factors
Despite strong growth prospects, the market faces challenges due to the shortage of qualified equine veterinarians, especially in emerging and rural regions. According to ABC News (2023), only 2-3% of new veterinary graduates in Australia pursue equine medicine, limiting access to equine care services.
Additionally, vaccine failure events, caused by factors such as improper handling, immune response variability, or pathogen mutation, have raised concerns among horse owners, potentially restricting product adoption.
In 2026, North America generated USD 0.88 billion, driven by a large equine population of approximately 7.2 million horses in the U.S. Europe maintained a significant share due to disease outbreaks such as equine influenza. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, with strong growth in China, Japan, and India, supported by increasing awareness and government initiatives.
Competitive Landscape
The market is fragmented, with key players including Zoetis Services LLC, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck & Co., Dechra, Elanco, and Virbac. Companies are focusing on new product launches, geographic expansion, and strategic partnerships to strengthen their market presence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the global equine health market is projected to grow from USD 2.21 billion in 2025 to USD 4.08 billion by 2034, driven by rising disease prevalence, increasing awareness of equine welfare, and continuous innovation in drugs and vaccines. While challenges such as veterinarian shortages and vaccine efficacy concerns persist, expanding preventive healthcare initiatives, advanced treatment options, and strategic efforts by key players are expected to support sustained market growth throughout the forecast period.
Segmentation By Product
By Disease Type
By Distribution Channel
By Region