Veterinary Rapid Test Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Test Kits, Readers), Testing (Virology, Parasitology, Bacteriology, Clinical Chemistry, Other), Technology (Immunoassays, PCR), Animal Type (Companion Animal (Dogs, Cats, Horses, Other), Production Animal (Cattle, Poultry, Swine, Other), End Use (Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics, Homecare Settings, Other) Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 1.11 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	8.98%
Fastest Growing Segment	Virology
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 1.86 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Veterinary Rapid Test Market will grow from USD 1.11 Billion in 2025 to USD 1.86 Billion by 2031 at a 8.98% CAGR. Veterinary rapid tests are portable diagnostic immunoassays designed to detect pathogens, antibodies, or metabolic markers in companion and livestock animals, typically providing results within minutes at the point of care. The primary drivers supporting market growth include the escalating prevalence of transboundary and zoonotic diseases, which necessitates immediate field screening to prevent widespread outbreaks and ensure food security. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, in 2025, there were 14,918 outbreaks of African swine fever reported globally between January 2024 and May 2025, highlighting the critical demand for efficient surveillance tools to manage such high-impact contagion risks.

Despite the strong growth trajectory, the market faces a significant impediment regarding the diagnostic sensitivity of these field kits compared to reference laboratory methods. Veterinary professionals often require confirmatory testing via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for definitive diagnosis, particularly in asymptomatic carriers or low-viral-load cases. This reliance on central laboratory verification can diminish the perceived standalone value of rapid tests, thereby limiting their adoption in regions with established laboratory infrastructure and strict regulatory frameworks for disease reporting.

Key Market Drivers

Global surge in companion animal ownership and pet humanization is reshaping the market by fueling demand for immediate, point-of-care diagnostic solutions. As owners increasingly view pets as family, there is a heightened expectation for rapid medical answers during veterinary visits, prompting clinics to adopt in-house testing kits for immediate treatment decisions. This is evidenced by the pet population density; according to the European Pet Food Industry Federation, July 2024, the total European pet population reached 352 million, underscoring the expanding patient base requiring regular health screening. Consequently, leading diagnostic providers are witnessing robust financial performance tied to this demand. According to Idexx Laboratories, in February 2024, the company reported full-year 2023 revenues of $3.66 billion, driven largely by growth in companion animal diagnostics.

Government initiatives for animal disease surveillance and control act as a critical catalyst for rapid test adoption, particularly within the livestock sector where epidemic prevention is paramount. Regulatory bodies are aggressively funding programs to detect transboundary pathogens early, mitigating economic losses and ensuring food safety through widespread field testing. For instance, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, June 2024, the agency announced $824 million in new funding to protect livestock health, specifically enabling rapid response activities and diagnostics for emerging threats. Such substantial public investment accelerates the procurement of rapid assays, ensuring that producers can quickly isolate infected animals and maintain supply chain continuity in the face of escalating zoonotic risks.

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Key Market Challenges

The primary challenge hampering the growth of the Global Veterinary Rapid Test Market is the insufficient diagnostic sensitivity of field-based immunoassays compared to reference laboratory methods, particularly polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Rapid tests frequently struggle to detect pathogens in asymptomatic carriers or animals with low viral loads, leading to potential false negatives. This technical limitation creates a significant reliability gap, forcing veterinary professionals to depend on central laboratory verification for a definitive diagnosis. Consequently, the rapid test often becomes a redundant preliminary step rather than a conclusive tool, diminishing its economic value proposition for veterinary clinics that must prioritize accuracy and cost-efficiency.

This reliance on duplicate testing protocols severely restricts market expansion, especially in established markets where budget optimization is critical. When practices are compelled to pay for confirmatory lab tests regardless of the rapid test result, the financial incentive to purchase field kits declines. This hesitation is intensified by broader economic pressures affecting the sector. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in 2024, overall veterinary spending in the United States decreased by 4% compared to the previous year. In an environment where clinical budgets are tightening, the inability of rapid tests to function as a standalone diagnostic solution directly reduces their adoption rates and stifles overall market revenue.

Key Market Trends

The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence for automated result interpretation is fundamentally altering the market by mitigating the subjectivity inherent in manual diagnostic reading and expanding the capabilities of point-of-care platforms. Advanced algorithms are now enabling devices to perform complex morphological analyses and pattern recognition that were previously restricted to reference laboratories, thereby enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of in-clinic testing. According to Zoetis Inc., June 2025, in the 'Zoetis Launches AI Masses' press release, the company upgraded its Vetscan Imagyst platform to offer seven unique AI-driven testing applications, including a new capability for the rapid identification of lymph node and skin masses, which significantly broadens the scope of immediate diagnostic answers available to veterinarians.

Simultaneously, the widespread adoption of multiplex lateral flow assays is reshaping product portfolios as veterinary practices increasingly favor syndromic testing solutions over single-pathogen kits to improve workflow efficiency. By consolidating multiple disease targets into a single cartridge, these assays allow clinicians to screen for co-infections and comprehensive disease panels in one step, reducing both the time and sample volume required for a complete diagnosis. According to Antech Diagnostics, March 2025, in the 'Antech Launches trūRapid FOUR' announcement, the company introduced a new lateral flow test capable of simultaneously screening for four distinct vector-borne diseases, including Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma, on a single cassette, directly addressing the demand for streamlined testing protocols.

Segmental Insights

The Virology segment represents the fastest growing category within the Global Veterinary Rapid Test Market, primarily due to the rising incidence of transboundary animal diseases. This expansion is driven by the critical need for early detection of viral pathogens, such as avian influenza and African swine fever, to mitigate economic losses and public health risks. Furthermore, adherence to reporting standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health encourages nations to implement robust surveillance programs, thereby increasing the reliance on rapid screening tools. Consequently, the focus on biosecurity and disease control sustains the high demand for virology diagnostics.

Regional Insights

North America leads the Global Veterinary Rapid Test Market, driven by robust pet adoption rates and significant investment in animal healthcare. The region benefits from an extensive network of veterinary clinics and the presence of major manufacturers, ensuring broad accessibility to diagnostic solutions. Additionally, heightened awareness regarding zoonotic diseases fuels the demand for immediate testing capabilities. Supportive regulatory oversight by the United States Department of Agriculture streamlines the approval of these diagnostic kits, further solidifying the region's leadership by ensuring a reliable supply of verified products for veterinary professionals.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, Zoetis launched the Vetscan OptiCell, a cartridge-based, AI-powered hematology analyzer, to the global veterinary market. This innovative point-of-care device utilizes artificial intelligence and viscoelastic focusing technology to provide complete blood count (CBC) analysis with reference laboratory-quality accuracy. Designed to optimize clinic efficiency, the compact, screenless analyzer delivers diagnostic results in minutes, supporting faster diagnosis and treatment for companion animals. This launch addresses the growing demand for advanced, maintenance-free rapid diagnostic tools that can be easily integrated into the daily operations of veterinary practices.
• In June 2024, BioNote USA launched the Rapid Canine Heartworm Antigen Test 2.0, a standalone diagnostic kit that received approval from the USDA. This one-step rapid test enables veterinarians to detect Dirofilaria immitis antigens in canine serum, plasma, or whole blood without the need for a buffer solution or additional analyzers. The updated test kit features a compact design and provides results in roughly 10 minutes, streamlining the workflow in veterinary clinics. This development expands the company’s portfolio of cost-effective point-of-care diagnostics aimed at improving the management of parasitic infections in companion animals.
• In June 2024, Idexx Laboratories introduced the Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase Test, a single-slide diagnostic solution for detecting pancreatitis in dogs and cats. The test is designed to run on the company’s existing Catalyst chemistry analyzers, offering veterinarians quantitative results within minutes during a patient visit. By enabling the rapid assessment of pancreatic health at the point of care, this assay allows clinical teams to make immediate, informed medical decisions and initiate treatment plans without delay. This launch underscores the company's strategy to enhance in-clinic diagnostic capabilities and improve patient outcomes through real-time insights.
• In April 2024, Antech Diagnostics announced the availability of two new veterinary diagnostic solutions in North America, including the Nu.Q Canine Cancer Test. This rapid, patient-side screening tool is designed to detect common cancers, such as lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, in high-risk breeds and older dogs. Operating on the company’s Element i+ Immunodiagnostic Analyzer, the test measures circulating nucleosomes and delivers accurate results in approximately six minutes. This product launch provides veterinary professionals with an affordable, point-of-care option to incorporate cancer screening into routine wellness exams, facilitating earlier diagnosis and intervention.

Key Market Players

• Zoetis Service LLC
• IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
• Virbac S.A.
• Heska Corporation
• Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc
• Neogen Corporation
• Prometheus Bio Inc.
• Die Fassisi GmbH
• Biopanda Reagents Ltd
• Boster Biological Technology

By Product	By Region
Test Kits Readers	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Veterinary Rapid Test Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Veterinary Rapid Test Market, By Product:

• Test Kits
• Readers

• Veterinary Rapid Test Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE