Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. FMD vaccine is used for active immunization of livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats against FMD.                   

Market Dynamics:

Rising outbreaks of foot and mouth disease among livestock and growing demand for protein rich animal foods are expected to boost the foot and mouth disease vaccine market growth over the forecast period. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), in 2021 South Korea experienced one of the largest FMD outbreaks, resulting in culling of over 3.5 million pigs. Moreover, increasing susceptibility of animals to the disease due to intensive farming practices and international trade of livestock and animal products facilitates the spread of the disease across borders, thereby increasing demand for effective vaccination. Additionally, various government initiatives and subsidies for vaccination are also expected to have a positive impact on the foot and mouth disease vaccine market.

 Increasing prevalence of foot and mouth disease globally fueling demand for vaccines

The increasing prevalence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) globally is a major driver for the growth of the FMD vaccine market. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hooved animals including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and buffalo. The disease causes vesicles or blisters inside the mouth and on the feet that can lead to lameness. FMD is endemic in parts of Asia, Africa, Middle East, and South America and causes huge economic losses to farmers and governments. According to the World Organization for Animal Health, in 2019, around 70 countries reported outbreaks of FMD. The growing number of outbreaks has increased the urgency to control and eradicate the disease using effective vaccination programs. Vaccination plays a crucial role in reducing the burden of FMD, with various national and regional vaccination programs being implemented globally. Most countries with a high FMD prevalence have mandatory vaccination policies in place for livestock. This increasing demand for vaccines from disease control programs is expected to drive the growth of the FMD vaccine market.

Stringent regulations and quality standards boosting adoption of advanced innovative vaccines

Stringent regulations and quality standards enforced by regulatory authorities globally are encouraging vaccine manufacturers to invest more in the development of advanced innovative FMD vaccines. Traditional FMD vaccines have certain limitations in terms of efficacy, safety, and inability to differentiate infected animals from vaccinated animals. Regulators are now pushing manufacturers to develop marker vaccines, recombinant vaccines, and other novel technologies that offer improved protection and allow differentiation. For instance, marker vaccines help distinguish vaccinated animals from infected ones using tests for antigens inserted during manufacturing. Adoption of such advanced vaccines allows authorities to implement effective control policies. Meeting quality and safety requirements entails investments in R&D, which is encouraging manufacturers to focus more on innovative vaccine solutions. This growing shift towards technologically advanced FMD vaccines is expected to provide opportunities for innovative manufacturers and drive revenues in the market.

Dependence on vaccine coverage poses threat due to gaps in vaccination programs

While widespread vaccination plays an important role in FMD control, continuous gaps and inconsistencies in vaccination coverage pose a major threat. FMD remains endemic in areas where effective vaccination programs are yet to be established, and even countries with high overall coverage face challenges in maintaining full protection among all susceptible animals. Insufficient vaccination coverage allows the virus to persist and spread, threatening the progress made with expensive control programs. Outbreaks tend to occur periodically when a critical mass has regenerated making hosts available. Budget constraints, logistical issues in reaching remote areas, inaccurate data on livestock populations, lapses in cold chain management are some challenges hampering uniform coverage. Lower priority given to neglected species like buffalos also undermines coverage. Any disruption due to such gaps can trigger re-emergence and spread of disease, undermining years of control efforts. Dependence only on vaccination without addressing gaps is thus a major restrain for the FMD vaccine industry and disease elimination.

Increasing global emphasis and investments in FMD eradication presents significant opportunities

The increasing global emphasis and commitments towards eradicating FMD present significant growth opportunities. While FMD control through vaccination has long been practiced, eradication is complex and expensive requiring coordinated efforts and strategies over decades. However, recent developments indicate growing commitments for FMD freedom. For instance, OIE's global framework for FMD eradication aims to help endemic countries develop control programs and achieve freedom. Regional eradication programs are also being strengthened. In addition, major funding initiatives are being channeled into FMD eradication. For example, the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases supported by FAO and other partners is investing over $1.5 billion cumulatively till 2030 towards poverty reduction and FMD elimination. Sustained investments and coordinated strategies can accelerate progress towards areas becoming FMD-free, expanding sustainable vaccine markets over the long term beyond endemic regions. Growing efforts provide significant scope for innovative vaccine manufacturers to develop public-private partnerships and contribute to the global goal of FMD freedom.

Rise of thermostable vaccines driving innovation in FMD vaccine formulation and delivery

An emerging trend that is expected to increase technical innovation in the FMD vaccine market is the rise of thermostable formulations. Conventional F