ANIMALHEALTHX Weekly is your weekly pulse on the global animal health industry, delivering curated insights, executive interviews, regulatory updates, innovation breakthroughs, and market movements shaping the future of veterinary medicine and animal care.
Cover Story
Power Move in Animal Health: Elanco Animal Health’s Bold Bet on AHV International
Regulatory & Policy Updates
- FDA Greenlights NUMELVI from Merck Animal Health
- APVMA Registers Advocate Ultra Chew by Elanco Animal Health Australia
- European Commission Grants Marketing Authorisation for ECOVAXXIN MS by ECO Animal Health Group plc
- VOHC Seal Awarded to VETRADENT Dental Wipes by Dechra
Strategic Partnerships
- Wagmo Partners with Fi
Product & Portfolio Expansion
- Pet Honesty Launches Brush Buddies
Leadership Moves
- Chewy Appoints Chris Deppe as Chief Financial Officer
CXO Insights | AI in Veterinary Care
- The AI CoPilot for Vets: Dr. Mike Mossop on Trust, Technology & the Human–Animal Bond
Industry Outlook
- Animal Health in 2026: Where AI, Preventive Care & Precision Medicine Converge
Power Move in Animal Health: Elanco’s Bold Bet on AHV International
In a defining moment for the global animal health industry, Elanco Animal Health has made a decisive strategic move, acquiring AHV International to strengthen its position in the fast-evolving livestock health market.
Announced alongside its Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings, the acquisition signals more than expansion. It represents a sharpened commitment to innovation, disciplined growth, and leadership in farm animal health particularly in the high-value dairy segment.
A Strategic Shift Toward Dairy Dominance
AHV International, headquartered in the Netherlands, has built a strong reputation for science-driven herd health solutions designed to improve dairy cow productivity and disease resilience. Its product portfolio focuses on preventative care and performance optimization, areas increasingly critical as dairy producers face rising regulatory scrutiny, sustainability pressures, and margin compression.
By integrating AHV’s capabilities, Elanco adds a specialized dairy platform that complements its global farm animal portfolio. The move strengthens Elanco’s footprint in Europe’s dense dairy markets while creating cross-selling opportunities across its global commercial infrastructure.
This isn’t opportunistic expansion. It’s calculated portfolio architecture.
Growth with Discipline
CEO Jeff Simmons positioned the acquisition as part of a broader transformation strategy one balancing organic innovation with targeted M&A to drive durable, mid-term value creation.
Elanco has now delivered ten consecutive quarters of underlying growth, and leadership has emphasized improving operational discipline, expanding innovation revenue, and optimizing capital allocation. AHV fits squarely into that blueprint: scalable, strategically aligned, and accretive to the farm animal segment.
Management indicated that AHV’s revenue contribution will build gradually in 2026 before accelerating in 2027 and beyond, underscoring a long-term integration approach rather than a short-term earnings boost.
Why This Deal Matters Now
The global livestock industry is undergoing structural change. Producers are increasingly prioritizing:
- Preventative herd health solutions
- Antibiotic stewardship and regulatory compliance
- Productivity optimization through science-backed interventions
- Sustainable production practices
AHV’s specialized dairy technologies align with these trends, positioning Elanco to compete more aggressively in premium farm health solutions — an area historically dominated by a handful of multinational players.
In an industry where scale matters but specialization wins, this acquisition bridges both.
A Clear Signal to the Market
For investors and industry stakeholders, the message is unmistakable: Elanco is not merely stabilizing post-pandemic performance it is reshaping its competitive profile.
The acquisition reinforces three strategic pillars:
- Farm Animal Focus – Deepening commitment to livestock health innovation
- European Expansion – Strengthening presence in key dairy-producing regions
- Portfolio Premiumization – Moving toward higher-value, differentiated solutions
As consolidation continues across animal health, Elanco’s move suggests a proactive, growth-oriented stance rather than defensive positioning.
The Bigger Picture
Animal health is no longer a peripheral subsector of life sciences. It sits at the intersection of food security, sustainability, and global trade resilience. Companies that can combine innovation, scale, and targeted expertise will define the next decade.
With the acquisition of AHV International, Elanco has made a statement: it intends to be one of them.
This is not just a transaction.
It’s a strategic inflection point.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved NUMELVI (atinvicitinib tablets) from Merck Animal Health the first and only second-generation Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor indicated for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs six months of age and older.
The therapy will be available across U.S. veterinary clinics and hospitals beginning in spring 2026.
Background
Skin conditions account for up to 20% of cases seen in general veterinary practice. Allergic dermatitis can significantly affect a dog’s quality of life, causing persistent itch, inflammation, sleep disruption, and behavioral changes, while also impacting the human–animal bond.
Mechanism and Differentiation
NUMELVI is a once-daily, first-line treatment designed to deliver rapid itch reduction beginning with the first dose.
Key scientific attributes include:
- ≥10x selectivity for JAK1 versus JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2 in in vitro assays
- Targeted inhibition of JAK1-dependent cytokines involved in itch and inflammation
- Potential to minimize interference with beneficial immune pathways due to JAK1 selectivity
- Approval for use in dogs as young as six months
NUMELVI is the first second-generation JAK inhibitor approved in veterinary medicine, bringing an advanced therapeutic class — already established in human healthcare — into animal health.
Practical Advantages
In addition to its clinical profile, NUMELVI offers operational convenience for veterinary practices:
- Once-daily oral dosing
- Most dogs (starting at 4.4 lbs.) require only one or half a tablet
- No vaccination schedule adjustments required
- Standard storage conditions
- Longest shelf life among veterinary JAK inhibitor tablets
Wagmo has announced a partnership with Fi to provide exclusive GPS tracking and health monitoring benefits to Wagmo plan members.
Through the collaboration, Wagmo members gain access to Fi’s next-generation tracking devices, including a free Fi Series 3+ collar or Fi Mini tracker with six months of service included.
Background
As part of Wagmo’s perks program, members can access advanced GPS tracking solutions designed to enhance pet safety and provide peace of mind.
Fi’s technology offers:
- Real-time GPS tracking across the United States
- Instant escape alerts
- Health and activity monitoring
The Fi Series 3+ collar delivers location and behavioral insights for dogs, while the Fi Mini tracker is designed for smaller dogs and cats, addressing prior limitations related to device size and weight. Both devices enable pet parents to monitor and locate their pets remotely.
Strategic Rationale
The partnership strengthens Wagmo’s position as a connected pet healthcare benefits platform, integrating safety technology into its broader ecosystem of services.
For Fi, the collaboration expands distribution through employer-sponsored benefits programs, increasing access to GPS tracking and wellness insights for a wider population of pet families.
Expanded Member Benefits
The partnership complements Wagmo’s existing offerings, which include:
- Reimbursement for routine veterinary care
- 24/7 telehealth support
- Insurance coverage options
- Discounts with brands such as BarkBox and PetMeds
Members can activate their exclusive Fi device through Wagmo’s member portal during checkout.
Pet Honesty has introduced Brush Buddies, a daily chewable dental treat designed to provide effective oral care through a cleaner, scientifically formulated, all-natural approach.
The launch expands the company’s dental portfolio with a product engineered to increase chew time and improve mechanical cleaning while supporting overall oral health.
Background
Dental disease remains one of the most common health concerns in dogs, with more than 80% of dogs over the age of two showing signs of poor dental health. Despite this prevalence, daily tooth brushing is often inconsistent among pet parents.
Brush Buddies are designed to target the four key areas veterinarians most frequently assess:
- Plaque
- Tartar
- Gum health
- Breath freshness
The treats are formulated without artificial additives and exclude cellulose, an ingredient commonly found in traditional dental chews.
Formulation and Differentiation
Brush Buddies feature a patent-pending chewy texture engineered to last up to two times longer than conventional dental treats, encouraging extended chew time for enhanced mechanical cleaning.
The product works through a dual-action approach:
- A thoughtfully designed shape and texture to help mechanically clean teeth
- A proprietary blend of clinically studied postbiotics and natural ingredients, including kelp, parsley, and mint, to support fresh breath, gum health, and a balanced oral microbiome
The formulation reflects the brand’s broader clean-label positioning and science-driven development standards.
Availability
Brush Buddies are available in sizes XS, S, M, and L
Photo Credit: Chewy
Chewy has appointed Chris Deppe as Chief Financial Officer.
Deppe succeeds the interim financial leadership structure and steps into the role as the company continues to focus on disciplined execution and long-term profitable growth.
Background
Deppe brings more than 20 years of finance and operations leadership experience. He joined Chewy in 2022 as Vice President of Supply Chain and Operations Finance and most recently led all Corporate and Commercial Finance functions.
During his tenure, he has contributed to:
- Advancing Chewy’s financial strategy
- Strengthening operational rigor
- Supporting performance aligned with long-term strategic priorities
Prior to Chewy, Deppe spent over 16 years at Amazon, where he held senior finance leadership roles across Global Transportation Services, Global Mile, and U.S. Fulfillment Center Operations. His work included large-scale cost optimization initiatives and strategic planning across complex global networks.
Leadership Perspective
According to Chief Executive Officer Sumit Singh, Deppe emerged following a rigorous selection process that included external candidates, reflecting the Board’s confidence in his institutional knowledge and performance-driven approach.
Deppe stated that his focus as CFO will center on disciplined execution, strengthening Chewy’s financial foundation, and delivering sustainable long-term value for customers, partners, and shareholders.
Transition Update
With Deppe’s appointment, Will Billings will continue to serve as Chief Accounting Officer.
Deppe holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Colorado State University and both a Master of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University.
Dechra has announced that VETRADENT Dental Wipes for Dogs have received the Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), recognizing the product’s demonstrated effectiveness in tartar control.
The VOHC Seal signifies that the product met established clinical standards for reducing tartar accumulation in dogs.
Background
The VOHC Seal of Acceptance is awarded to products that meet rigorous evidence-based criteria for plaque and tartar control. Earning this designation reflects validated clinical performance and provides veterinary professionals and pet owners with added assurance regarding product efficacy.
Dental health remains a critical component of preventive veterinary care, with tartar buildup contributing to broader oral health complications in dogs.
Formulation and Differentiation
VETRADENT Dental Wipes are scientifically formulated with patented Biotrate Technology designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
The wipes provide a convenient, non-brush oral care option, supporting routine dental hygiene and complementing professional veterinary dental care protocols.
ECO Animal Health Group plc has provided an update on its commercial launch strategy for ECOVAXXIN MS, its poultry vaccine targeting Mycoplasma synoviae, across the European Union.
The update follows the granting of marketing authorisation by the European Commission in December 2025. Management is now executing a phased commercialisation plan across key EU poultry markets through 2026 and 2027.
Clinical Need and Strategic Positioning
ECOVAXXIN MS provides active immunisation of future layer and breeder chickens from four weeks of age. The vaccine is designed to reduce air-sac and foot-pad lesions and mitigate egg production losses associated with Mycoplasma synoviae infections.
The infection can reduce egg production in affected laying hens by approximately 5–10%, representing a meaningful economic burden for producers.
The launch positions ECO as a comprehensive Mycoplasma solutions provider, combining prevention through ECOVAXXIN MS with treatment via its established product, Aivlosin.
Go-to-Market Strategy
ECO will leverage its existing commercial infrastructure developed for Aivlosin, utilizing established distribution channels and technical expertise across Europe.
The Company has secured agreements with strategic distribution partners covering the EU’s major poultry markets, providing access to more than 220 million layer birds annually across the top seven EU layer-producing countries.
Pre-launch activities currently underway include:
- Distributor training programs
- Completion of technical assessments
- Finalization of distribution agreements
- Market segmentation and promotional planning
An official launch event is scheduled for 30 June to 1 July 2026 in Madrid, Spain, bringing together key opinion leaders, genetics companies, major layer producers, and distribution partners. Additional regional launch events are planned between Q3 2026 and Q1 2027.
Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced that the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has registered Advocate Ultra Chew (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets) for dogs in Australia.
Launching in April 2026, the product introduces the broadest spectrum parasite protection available in a single monthly dose for Australian dogs.
Product Overview and Clinical Scope
Marketed in the United States as Credelio Quattro, the Australian approval represents the product’s first geographic expansion. In Australia, it will be commercialized under the established Advocate brand.
Advocate Ultra Chew combines four active ingredients into a single palatable chew, providing protection against:
- Fleas
- Ticks, including paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus)
- Heartworm
- Intestinal worms, including tapeworms
Notably, the product is the only all-in-one canine endectocide in Australia that includes tapeworm coverage, including zoonotic species such as Echinococcus granulosus, which pose risks to human health.
Paralysis tick protection is particularly significant in Australia, where Ixodes holocyclus is prevalent along the eastern coast and can cause potentially fatal toxicosis in dogs.
Strategic Positioning
The launch strengthens Elanco’s parasiticide portfolio in Australia by integrating a four-in-one solution under the Advocate brand, long established in the local market.
The product builds on the commercial momentum seen in the U.S. market while addressing the unique parasite landscape and zoonotic concerns present in Australia.
Safety and Availability
Advocate Ultra Chew is approved for use in dogs and puppies from eight weeks of age and weighing at least 2 kg. Safety has been demonstrated in heartworm-positive dogs and across various breeds, including avermectin-sensitive Collies.
The product will be available in Australia beginning April 2026.
For more information, visit elanco.com/en-au and follow label directions.
The AI CoPilot for Vets: Dr. Mike Mossop on Trust, Technology & the Human-Animal Bond
Saurabh: How is AI transforming veterinary care, and can pet owners truly trust AI-powered clinics to make critical decisions for their pets?
Mike: AI is transforming veterinary care primarily by reducing the administrative burden that often pulls doctors away from patients. When documentation and workflow are handled intelligently in the background, veterinarians can focus fully on clinical reasoning, treatment, and communication. Trust is built when veterinarians have the time to truly listen to clients and communicate clearly, and by lifting administrative burdens, AI creates more of that time, strengthening the relationship and supporting better care.
Saurabh: In what ways are AI tools helping veterinarians reduce burnout and streamline clinic workflows while improving animal health outcomes?
Mike: Burnout in this profession is often driven by long hours spent charting after clinics close. AI tools like CoVet reduce that burden by structuring medical records in real time, which gives doctors back meaningful time each day. That extra time improves work-life balance, reduces burnout, and allows veterinarians to be more alert and engaged in patient care. We’ve also seen the growing veterinary shortage, which has made it increasingly difficult for animals to get timely care when needed most. As veterinarians claim more of their time back, they can care for more animals.
Saurabh: What are the most common misconceptions pet owners and veterinary professionals have about AI in animal care, and how do you address them?
Mike: The biggest misconception is that AI is trying to replace the veterinarian. In reality, it’s about removing repetitive work so that clinicians can shift their sole focus to care and medicine. It’s maximizing the doctor’s time on treating animals, rather than on admin work. Through transparency, education, and strong data privacy standards, veterinarians have been able to address most concerns quickly.
Saurabh: Looking ahead, which areas of veterinary medicine and animal biosciences are likely to see the biggest impact from AI and emerging technologies?
Mike: Over the next five years, we’ll continue to see AI become deeply embedded in documentation, diagnostics, and preventive care planning. Imaging analysis, predictive health insights, and context-aware workflow tools will likely mature quickly and become integrated with each other. The real shift will be AI becoming an almost invisible workflow layer, supporting every step of the day without adding complexity.
Saurabh: How can veterinary practices balance innovation with safety, ethics, and the human-animal bond when implementing AI solutions?
Mike: The key is intentional implementation. If technology strengthens the veterinarian’s presence in the room rather than distracting from it with notes or charting, then you’re innovating responsibly. Even when AI reduces administrative work and surfaces clinical references in real time, the veterinarian’s critical thinking and training remain the foundation, and all medical decisions stay with them. As practices continue to adopt technologies, they should emphasize data privacy and security as a top priority.
Saurabh: Are there specific AI applications in preventive care, diagnostics, or treatment that are already showing measurable benefits in animal health?
Mike: Yes, especially in preventive care compliance and documentation accuracy. When records are more complete and structured, follow-ups tend to go more smoothly, and fewer details fall are less likely to slip through the cracks. In platforms like CoVet, even reclaiming one to two hours a day has measurable downstream effects on continuity of care and client satisfaction.
Saurabh: How do you envision the role of veterinarians evolving as AI and technology become more integrated into day-to-day practice?
Mike: Veterinarians will always be the heart of the practice. With technology advancing, the goal is to spend less time acting as clerks and more time acting as true clinicians and advisors. AI can handle organization and data synthesis, and doctors can shift their focus to judgment and complex decision-making.
About CoVet
CoVet is the AI CoPilot built by veterinary professionals who understand the realities of life in the clinic – designed to simplify operations and reduce administrative strain. Backed by decades of hands-on experience, CoVet’s in-house medical team informs every feature with real-world insight. Its context-aware platform adapts to the unique needs of general practice, specialty, and large-animal medicine, while providing enterprise-grade performance and privacy compliance for practices of every size, from solo DVMs to global veterinary groups. By combining automation with intuitive design, CoVet empowers veterinary teams to enter each exam more prepared and leave confident that every step is complete, allowing them to spend more time caring for patients.
Emerging companies across the animal health sector are rapidly gaining ground in livestock, poultry, equine, and companion animal markets. Agile small and mid-sized innovators are challenging legacy models with affordable care pathways, targeted biologics, precision diagnostics, and sustainability-driven solutions designed for evolving global needs.
To strengthen their foothold, these companies are actively expanding portfolios, forging strategic partnerships, pursuing acquisitions, and launching next-generation vaccines, diagnostics, and therapies. Each move reflects a deliberate response to shifting veterinary demands—improving access, advancing efficiency, and redefining standards of care across production and pet health.
The broader market trajectory reinforces this momentum. The global animal health market is projected to grow from approximately $73 billion in 2025 to more than $172 billion by 2035, advancing at a 9% CAGR. This robust expansion underscores accelerating demand for biologics, preventive care, veterinary services, and productivity-enhancing tools across both commercial farming and companion animal ecosystems.
In short, innovation is no longer peripheral in animal health, it is becoming the growth engine of the industry.
Read the full report here
Animal Health in 2026: Where AI, Preventive Care & Precision Medicine Converge
The animal health industry is entering a defining era, where technology, data, and human-centered care are reshaping how we protect and treat animals. From companion pets to livestock, innovation is accelerating across diagnostics, therapeutics, and care delivery models.
Artificial intelligence is moving beyond buzzword status and into daily veterinary workflows. AI-powered diagnostic imaging, predictive analytics for herd health, and smart triage systems are helping veterinarians reduce administrative burden while improving clinical precision. Early disease detection once dependent on visible symptoms is now increasingly data-driven, enabling earlier interventions and better outcomes.
Preventive care is also gaining strategic importance. Pet parents are more informed and proactive than ever, prioritizing wellness plans, routine screenings, and nutrition-backed health strategies. This shift is driving growth in telehealth, wearable pet tech, and subscription-based veterinary models. Clinics are evolving into hybrid care ecosystems blending in-person expertise with digital monitoring and virtual consults.
On the therapeutics front, precision medicine is making its mark. Advances in monoclonal antibodies, targeted parasiticides, and species-specific biologics are redefining treatment pathways. Meanwhile, sustainability in livestock health—through vaccines, alternatives to antibiotics, and improved biosecurity—is becoming central to global food security discussions.
Investment activity reflects this momentum. Strategic partnerships between biotech innovators, diagnostics companies, and digital health platforms are expanding pipelines and unlocking scalable solutions. Private equity and venture capital continue to show confidence in high-growth segments such as specialty care, dermatology, oncology, and regenerative medicine.
Yet, amid rapid innovation, one principle remains constant: trust. Whether enabled by AI or advanced therapeutics, animal health solutions must preserve the veterinarian-client relationship and prioritize animal welfare above all.
The future of animal health isn’t just smarter—it’s more connected, preventive, and purpose-driven.
Power Plays, Breakthrough Approvals & the AI Shift Reshaping Animal Health
The 27 February edition of the Animal Health Newsletter highlights Elanco Animal Health’s strategic acquisition of AHV International to strengthen its dairy portfolio. It covers FDA approval of NUMELVI from Merck Animal Health, new EU vaccine momentum from ECO Animal Health Group plc, leadership changes at Chewy, Inc., and growing AI integration through CoVet—signaling a more connected, preventive, and innovation-driven animal health industry.
The Pulse of Global Animal Health.
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