Europe Foal Health Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Drugs, Vaccines, and Supplemental Feed Additives), By Disease (West Nile Virus, Sepsis, Equine Rabies, Equine Influenza, Equine Herpes Virus, Tetanus, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Animal Farms, Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The Europe foal health market size was valued at USD 54.2 million in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 56.7 million in 2023 to USD 82.2 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period.

The wide range of neonatal foal diseases and ailments affects the health of foals. However, paying attention to the behavior of foals, identifying the signs of disorders, and managing the various conditions through treatment and care helps to maintain the foal's health. To maintain health, various drugs, vaccines, and supplemental feed additives are used. The increasing cases of disorders in foals and strong product adoption are promoting market growth. Furthermore, a rise in awareness regarding the health of foals and compulsory immunization guidelines of foals for equestrian sports is driving the demand for foal health products.

• According to the Equine Quarterly Disease Surveillance Report in 2022, Three Counties Equine Hospital reported a case of EHV-4 respiratory disease in a 4-month-old thoroughbred filly on a premises in Gloucestershire. Such occurrence of disease incidence further enhances the foal health product demand in Europe.

Furthermore, major players in the market are focusing on launching advanced vaccines and feed additives for the growing foals. Such factors are projected to fuel the adoption of foal health products in the coming years.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Increased Demand for Foal Products Amid Pandemic Had a Slightly Positive Impact on the Market

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak had a slightly positive impact on the Europe foal health market. The market experienced a decreased pace of growth patterns in 2020, as foal breeding halted during the COVID-19, leading to a decrease in demand for riding horses.

However, the market witnessed a general upturn after the ease of COVID-19 guidelines in the second half of 2020, as the registration of foals and demand for riding horses increased. In terms of revenue, the market experienced slower growth in 2020 in contrast to the preceding year. Some prominent players exhibited a slower increase in their sales of foal health products at the end of 2020.

• For instance, Zoetis Services LLC. recorded net sales of USD 215.0 million in 2020 from its horse segment, including foals. The horse segment sales increased by 22.3% in 2021 compared to 2020 due to the global demand for animal medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics.

Due to the resumption of veterinary visits, the growth rate reverted to the pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Such conditions stabilized the revenue generation of companies in 2022 and deflected the market to pre-pandemic growth over the forecast period.

Europe Foal Health Market Trends

Increased Utilization of Plasma Products for Treating Various Foal Diseases Helps in the Expansion of the Market

The market has seen different trends over the past few years, as there is an increasing usage of plasma products for the treatment of various foal diseases across Europe. The young foals are born without protective immunity against infections. If the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels of foal after 12-18 hours of birth are less than 200 mg/dl after consumption of colostrum milk, then it leads to the Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) of immunity. Low IgG level makes the foals more susceptible to infectious diseases, and to avoid such conditions hyper immunized plasma therapy is given to foals.

• According to an article published by the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in 2022, a study was conducted to investigate the course of serum IgG concentration after plasma transfusion in newly born foals. It basically evaluates the proportion of transfusion required for an increase in serum Immunoglobulin G concentration. In that study, the IgG concentration was determined in twenty-three foals at 3 different points in time, i.e., before transfusion, one hour after transfusion, and twenty-four hours after transfusion. The study found that there was a rise in IgG concentration in the blood of eighteen foals (78.3%). Also, there were no adverse reactions in foals due to the plasma transfusion.

Similarly, there have been constant technological advancements and launches of plasma separation products by the key players in the market, which supports the adoption of plasma therapies for foals in the region.

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Europe Foal Health Market Growth Factors

Surge in Incidence of Diseases in Foals to Boost Market Growth in Europe

The rise in the incidence of diseases and illnesses is affecting the foal population in the European region. Newborn foals are easily affected by diseases, such as colic, lameness, septicemia, diarrhea, and foal respiratory conditions. Pharmaceutical products, such as drugs, vaccines, and supplements, are used as preventive treatment measures for foal's health. Such rising disease cases in foals are driving the strong demand for foal health products across all European countries.

• According to an article published by Galebreaker in 2022, foals are at their most vulnerable to pneumonia from birth to six months old. The research finding states that 25.0% of thoroughbred racehorses that had pneumonia as a foal had fewer starts and shorter racing careers than those that never suffered from the disease. Such disease conditions are a significant cause of increasing mortality rates in foals and severely impact horse racing careers, too.

Furthermore, to prevent disease outbreaks, regular vaccinations and for growth, nutrition, and better immunity of foal requirement of supplements and feed additives are likely to favor the market over the forecast period.

Rising Awareness for Foal Healthcare to Drive Market Growth Prospects

The market has undergone dynamic advancements in recent years. Increasing awareness about the health of foals through the initiatives taken by universities, government agencies, and various charity events is estimated to fuel the demand for foal health products during the forecast period.

• In April 2021, a survey across the U.K. and seven other European countries was conducted to analyze the use of veterinary medicines for the treatment and prevention of diseases in pets and farm animals (including foals). The survey was commissioned by NOAH’s European animal health association, Animal Health Europe. The survey found that there is good awareness about the benefits of medicines for the health and welfare of pets and farm animals (including foals). The rising awareness regarding foal care will eventually increase product adoption in the market. Such a scenario is expected to drive the growth of the market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Shortage and Failure in the Events of Equine Vaccines Hinders Market Expansion

One of the major hindrances the market expansion is the shortage of vaccines for foals in European countries. Despite the strong demand for equine vaccines, there were certain cases noticed regarding the shortage of vaccines.

• For instance, in September 2022, the British Equestrian Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed that there are distribution issues with equine influenza doses of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Proteq product. It was a Europe-wide issue, and the impact of a shortage of doses had hit the U.K. first. Many veterinary practitioners witnessed that these vaccines were out of stock. Influenza vaccination can be started at six months in foals. Such hindrances resulted in limited growth of the market.

Similarly, vaccine failure is also a growing concern among the foal population. The vaccine failure chances are higher in foals compared to horses as foals do not strongly respond to vaccines, such as horses. These factors may restrict the Europe foal health market growth.

Europe Foal Health Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis

Presence of Massive Foal Population Fueled Drugs Segment Growth

By product, the market is divided into drugs, vaccines, and supplemental feed additives.

The drugs segment held a dominant Europe market share in 2022. The drugs segment is further sub-segmented into anti-infectives, anti-inflammatory, parasiticides, and others. The major market share is attributed to the massive foal population in Europe combined with an increase in the adoption of foal pharmaceutical products. Also, the rise in the incidence of neonatal foal diseases and the increase in the number of novel product launches for the treatment of foals in Europe accelerates segmental growth.

• For instance, according to the data published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in September 2023 on Leishmania infantum infection in healthy horses from Eastern Spain, out of a total of 167 samples, around 46 samples (27.5%) were positive for anti-leishmania antibodies.

The vaccines segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the several vaccination norms by sports federations for foals against tetanus, equine influenza, and equine rabies. Additionally, an increase in vaccine product launches to prevent various equine diseases drives the segment's growth.

Furthermore, the supplemental feed additives segment has a considerable share of the market.  The rise in the usage of supplements for foal growth and immunity and the launch of innovative feed products for foals in the region are likely to boost the growth of the segment.

• For instance, in November 2022, ARK Equine launched DERBY, a German-based range of horse-care products, including edible digestive-friendly treats, grooming, and tack-care products, exclusively in the regions of Ireland and the U.K.

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By Disease Analysis

Rise in Colic and Respiratory Diseases in Foals Promoted the Dominance of Others Segment

The disease segment is divided into West Nile virus, sepsis, equine rabies, equine influenza, equine herpes virus, tetanus, and others.

The others segment dominated the Europe foal health market share in 2022. The others segment includes diseases, such as colic, respiratory diseases, lameness, and foal diarrhea. The rising cases of these diseases in foals are the factors responsible for the segment growth.

• For instance, according to the data published by VetRecord in May 2023, the data available for 3328 foal-months, around 5.8 cases in 100 foal-months required veterinary intervention for musculoskeletal diseases.

The sepsis segment held a considerable market share in 2022 in Europe. The growing cases of neonatal foal deaths due to sepsis led to a rise in the adoption of these products. Such a scenario eventually contributed to the segment growth.

• For instance, as per the article published in December 2022 in the Vester Journal, sepsis (septicemia) is the widespread and primary reason for death in neonatal foals disease in neonatal foals under four weeks of age. Developing such infections affects the joints of foals and leads to poorer athletic performance. Earliest diagnosis, medical treatment, and supportive care help in the recovery of foals.

The various disease indications of West Nile virus, equine rabies, equine influenza, equine herpes virus, and tetanus are expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. This is attributable to mandatory vaccination regulations by various sports organizations for foals in Europe.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Animal Farms Segment Dominated Owing to Substantial Product Adoption Due to Participation of Foals in Equestrian Sports

In terms of distribution channel, the Europe market is distributed into animal farms, veterinary hospitals & clinics, and others.

The animal farms segment held the dominant share of the market in 2022. The segment growth is augmented by the increasing number of stables, substantial increase in foal population, and rise in the number of veterinary visits to stud farms across Europe. Also, foals are commonly kept at animal farms to prepare them for equestrian sports, which eventually increases product adoption at animal farms.

• For instance, according to the data published in October 2022 by the Valuation Office Agency, there are currently 11,000 stables in England and Wales that require supplements, vaccines, and drugs to maintain the health of foals.

Furthermore, the veterinary hospitals and clinics segment is expected to grow at the second highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the increasing number of veterinary hospitals and clinics across Europe.

• For instance, as per the news published in LMU München in 2022, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) inaugurated its new equine clinic in Germany. Their inpatient facilities at the hospital can treat 800 horses per year.

In addition, the others segments held the lowest market share in 2022. The introduction of various e-commerce websites for these product sales drives the growth of the segment.  

• For instance, as per the news published in Nexstar Media Inc. in 2023, Horseware Ireland launched a new online store for Europe to bring more comprehensive access to equestrian products.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

According to geography, the European foal health market is segmented into the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and the rest of Europe.

The U.K. accounted for a revenue of USD 12.2 million in the Europe market in 2022. The country holds a significant proportion of the European market due to new product launches for foal supplements and the significant increase in participation in equestrian sports.

• For instance, according to the news published in ARK Equine in December 2021, Forte Healthcare Ltd launched its new equine business in the U.K. and Ireland. It aims to provide new veterinary products for racing, competition, performance horses, and breeding sectors.

The market in Germany accounted for the second largest market share. A rise in foal registrations within equestrian sports, coupled with the surge in launches of supplements and feed additives, aimed to enhance the growth and nutritional requirements of foals in Germany. These factors are poised to propel the market growth.

Furthermore, France, Spain, and Italy markets are growing due to a significant increase in stud farms and foals in these regions.

The rest of Europe accounted for a substantial share in 2022. The increasing number of stud farms and rise in interest in equestrian sport are attributed to drive the growth of the rest of the Europe market.

List of Key Companies in Europe Foal Health Market

Diversified Product Portfolio of Zoetis Services LLC, Merck & Co., Inc. Contributed to their Dominance in the Market

The Europe foal health market reflects a fragmented structure with the major players of the market. Some foal health product companies, such as Zoetis Services LLC, Merck & Co., Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, and Virbac, held a significant share in the European market in 2022 due to their robust product portfolio, launches, and awareness programs for the health of foals.

Foal health product manufacturers, such as Elanco, Vetoquinol, Dechra Pharmaceuticals, Ceva, and Neogen Corporation, are also prominent players with low shares in the European market. Certain strategic initiatives, such as an expansion of the distribution network, advanced product portfolio, and new product launches, are estimated to boost their market presence in key countries during the forecast period.

• For instance, in November 2022, Neogen Corporation launched Synergize in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It is a trusted disinfectant in North America with wide use in equine, swine, poultry, cattle, and companion animal industries.

The other emerging players in the market, such as Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Norbrook, and Equine Products UK Ltd., held a major market share in 2022. The growing strategic initiatives by these players to upscale their market values are projected to expand their market shares during the forecast period.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Merck & Co., Inc. (U.S.)


• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (Germany)


• Elanco (U.S.)


• Zoetis Services LLC (U.S.)


• Ceva (France)


• Virbac (France)


• Neogen Corporation (U.S.)


• Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. (U.S.)


• Norbrook (U.K.)


• Equine Products UK Ltd. (U.K.)


• Vetoquinol (France)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2023:  Grovet introduced a new product range of omeprazole granules, Equizol, with ease of administration. It is used to treat gastric ulcers in horses.


• December 2022: Deutsche Tiernahrung Cremer GmbH & Co. KG expanded its equine supplement portfolio by launching five custom-range supplementary feeds for horses, including magnesium-zinc, vitamin E and more for growth and nutrition.


• April 2022: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH launched the RenuTend product in Europe after approval. It is a new stem cell therapy to improve the healing of tendon and suspensory ligament injuries in horses.


• October 2021: Elanco’s Rompun (xylazine injection) was acquired by Dechra to expand Dechra’s equine portfolio in the anesthesia and analgesia category.


• June 2021: Zoetis Services LLC announced the expansion of its equine horse care products portfolio by adding Pro-Stride APS, Restigen PRP and CenTrate BMA devices to treat equine lameness as a result of musculoskeletal pain.


• October 2020: Virbac launched Equipred, the first licensed steroid tablet for horses. It is licensed for the treatment of severe equine asthma.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Europe Foal Health Market

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The Europe foal health market report includes thorough qualitative and quantitative insights. It highlights key segments such as product, disease, distribution channel, and geography. Moreover, the report highlights insights into the key industry developments, estimation of foal population, statistics on stud farms in Europe, company profiles of prominent players, and COVID-19's impact on the market. Additionally, the report provides an overview on vaccination programs for foals, guidelines, current practices followed by veterinarians to strengthen immunity and key competitors manufacturing & distributing plasma for foals. Similarly, the report provides market dynamics and the competitive landscape of the overall Europe market.

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