Supported by the continuing emergence and threat of animal disease, changes in animal production practices, new product introductions and ongoing food safety concerns, a nearly $15 billion industry describes the worldwide market for animal health products, which consists of health care products for domestic companion animals, livestock and co-marketed consumables.

Animal health-related opportunities in Kansa City are an outgrowth of a mature industry with sophisticated supplier relationships and well established distribution mechanisms. The Kansas City animal science community is anchored in strong university- and industry-based capabilities.

Furthermore, current research strengths and technology are more complimentary in Kansas City than in other regions with animal science clusters. Strengthening and bringing greater focus to pre-existing collaborations could better position the region to penetrate global markets.

Federally sponsored research in animal health is expected to grow, particularly in areas where cross-platform application exists linking animal science and human therapeutics. As the federal government increasingly targets and rewards collaborative approached to research challenges Kansas City should leverage its strong university-industry relationships to capture a larger share of federal research dollars.