Report

Japan veterinary diagnostics market is projected to witness a CAGR of 9.33% during the forecast period FY2025-FY2032, growing from USD 252.52 million in FY2024 to USD 515.41 million in FY2032. The market's growth is supported by rising outbreaks of infectious diseases, increasing government efforts, availability of technologically advanced diagnostic solutions, and rising adoption of pets. The government's efforts to strengthen the animal healthcare sector, coupled with the increasing number of veterinary professionals in the country, are boosting Japan's veterinary diagnostics market size. As of June 2023, the Japan Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA) represents 28,000 veterinarians across Japan through their 55 associations.
Furthermore, the growing emphasis on preventive healthcare for animals due to veterinary professionals advocating for regular vaccinations and check-ups is also bolstering the Japan veterinary diagnostics market growth. Novel diagnostic tools are also being introduced in the country to enable early disease detection, aligning with the shift toward preventive veterinary care. Moreover, the growing emphasis on public health and food safety is also augmenting the requirement for veterinary diagnostic products in Japan. Veterinary diagnostics play a crucial role in ensuring the livestock's health and screening pathogens before the animals are processed for food production. It also aids in monitoring infectious diseases, as these diseases can significantly impact the safety of food products. Diagnostic testing is thus essential to ensure that pathogens do not enter the food supply chain and get transmitted to humans.
Additionally, rapid advancements in the veterinary diagnostics sector, including molecular diagnostics, point-of-care testing, and rapid testing kits, are increasing the accessibility and efficiency of veterinary diagnostic solutions. Thus, providing more accurate results in a timely manner results in increased adoption of these novel technologies by veterinary practices.
Increasing Government Efforts Support Market Expansion
The rising effort of the Japanese government to bolster awareness about the importance of ensuring animal health is providing lucrative growth opportunities to the market. The government intends to disseminate awareness about animal welfare through educational activities in different educational institutions. Additionally, the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals recognizes that animals feel distress and pain and is clear on the expectations of organizations and animal owners. The Act undergoes a review process every five years to allow regular amendments to ensure animal welfare across Japan. Moreover, in the country, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries is responsible for overseeing veterinary products under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law to ensure the safety and quality of the products. The companies are required to receive approval from the Ministry after a comprehensive review by the National Veterinary Assay Laboratory (NVAL) and obtain licenses from approved marketing holders for distributing veterinary biologicals in Japan. The presence of such a regulatory framework ensures the provision of high-quality products in the country, boosting consumer confidence and positively influencing the market's expansion.
Technological Innovations Bolster Market Growth
The easy acceptance and availability of novel technologies in the country positively influences the market's expansion. Novel technologies, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based tests, are being launched in Japan. The non-invasive test is intended for usage during wellness checks on both older and younger dog breeds that are at a higher risk of developing cancer, including golden retrievers, boxers, beagles, and Bernese Mountain dogs. Additionally, in June 2024, the Japanese government officially allowed online medical consultations and established new guidelines. The new guidelines aim to improve the convenience of pet owners and aid veterinarians in taking up online services. Such approvals and launches are expected to enhance the quality of care available for animals and reduce the burden on veterinary professionals by allowing them to give remote patient consultations and make faster and more accurate decisions with the help of novel diagnostic kits.
Infectious Diseases Hold Major Market Share
The rising cases of infectious diseases in animals is another major factor augmenting the Japan veterinary diagnostics market's demand. Over the past few years, the outbreak of infectious diseases has significantly increased in Japan, propelling the requirement for veterinary diagnostic solutions. In 2024, the outbreak of bird flu occurred in a severe magnitude, prompting agencies to deliver swift responses and collaborate in an efficient manner to manage the growing threat. Such incidences are propelling the demand for veterinary diagnostics in the country to ensure early detection and diagnosis so that targeted treatment strategies can be deployed, and the outbreak of infectious diseases can be managed.
Companion Animals Account for a Significant Share of the Market
The rising adoption of companion animals in the country is propelling the demand for Japanese veterinary diagnostics. As per the estimates of the Japan Pet Food Association, in 2023, 397,000 dogs and 369,000 cats joined families in Japan. The growing adoption of companion animals can be attributed to the changing societal values, rising awareness about the different health benefits associated with the adoption of animals, and growing requirements for emotional connections and companionship. Companion animals are known to provide unconditional love and comfort to their owners in times of uncertainty and stress and form a strong emotional bond with them. Due to this, the owners are invested in their health and well-being and ensure that they are provided with proper medical care and attention. The owners also invest in regular health check-ups to ensure the well-being of their companion animals and provide them with necessary treatments, thus propelling the demand for veterinary diagnostic products.
Future Market Scenario (FY2025-FY2032F)
- As per the Japan veterinary diagnostics market analysis, technological advancements in veterinary diagnostics are expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities to the market. The integration of advanced technologies, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, is expected to improve data analytics, aiding veterinary professionals in understanding patterns in animal health and predicting disease outbreaks.
- With the expansion of molecular biology, the application of DNA-based diagnostics and genetic testing is expected to become more prevalent, facilitating disease identification at the molecular level and allowing veterinarians to provide accurate diagnoses and tailor treatment plans. This, in turn, will enhance treatment outcomes, improving patient satisfaction.
- The growing adoption of pets in the country and increasing government initiatives to bolster the introduction and availability of high-quality veterinary diagnostic solutions in the country are also expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities to the Japan veterinary diagnostics market.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Various major market players are significantly investing in mergers and acquisitions to broaden their product portfolio and expand their footprint in the country. In March 2024, Virbac S.A. acquired Sasaeah Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to expand its global footprint and cement its position in the animal healthcare industry in Japan. The deal was worth approximately USD 309 million and is expected to allow Virbac to expand its share in the Japanese market with the help of Sasaeah's diverse product portfolio that caters to both companion and farm animals. Moreover, the deal also grants the former access to many pharmaceutical products across major species. The acquisition also aligns with Virbac's vision for 2030 and long-term goals for geographical expansion and improving animal health in Japan. This acquisition represents a significant milestone in Virbac's commitment to innovation, expansion, and growth trajectory in the Japanese animal health arena.