OREANDA-NEWS. In veterinary medicine, the recent development of multi-resistant bacteria has necessitated the use of alternative therapeutic approaches for bacterial strains that are practically resistant to all oral antibiotics. The topical use of antimicrobial products such as antiseptics has been recognized as the most simple and effective means for the treatment of multi-resistant bacterial infections on the skin surface. Besides this, the use of local antimicrobial products restricts the spread of bacteria, which in turn, reduces the need for broad-spectrum systemic antibiotics. Typically, in veterinary dermatology, the antiseptic treatment is frequently used as a valid alternative to systemic antibiotic therapy due to several clinical advantages. 
 
At present, innovations to keep a check on animal health are crucial to feed the growing global population. To address this, governments across the world need to extend their support for animal health as part of the overall human health policy. Particularly in developing countries such as India, lack of skilled veterinarians and inadequate infrastructure for promoting animal health need attention. These factors will result in the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of the World veterinary antiseptics market to exhibit a CAGR of 5.6% from 2015 to 2023, says Transparency Market Research. 
 
Q. Is the use of antiseptics defined according to their specific need for animals?
 
A. Yes. The use of antiseptics for animals is clearly defined as per the degree of infection and the body part that is infected. For example, chlorhexidine is well recognized for its use in oral care. Due to its relatively low degree of irritability to tissues, it is generally used as a bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal. Chlorhexidine is majorly used among horses, sheep, poultry animals, cats, cows, and dogs for treating abrasions, superficial cuts, and insect stings. 
 
Q. What are the major forces driving the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of the World veterinary antiseptics market?
 
A. The growing demand for animal-based food products in emerging markets, which in turn, is accelerating veterinary care and demand for antiseptic products is one of the major factors driving this market. Moreover, the increasing pet ownership in emerging economies is anticipated to augment demand for companion animal antiseptics.
 
Q. Which is the leading product segment in the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of the World market for veterinary antiseptics?
 
A. Iodine and iodophors held the largest market share in 2014. This is because iodine and iodophors are preferred among veterinarians for production as well as companion animal purposes. In addition, iodine and iodophors are increasingly used since they are milder, which makes them suitable for both small and large animals. Iodophors are used as carriers for iodine for providing a sustained and prolonged release of antiseptics. 
 
Q. What inhibits the use of alcohol-based antiseptic in veterinary practices?
 
A. Though alcohol is primarily used before vaccination or immunization, particularly in small animals such as dogs, cats, and sheep, alcohol causes a higher degree of irritation on tissues and denatured protein. This could help bacteria to breed in open wounds. Low contact time with the skin of alcohol-based antiseptics due to its early vaporization is a major shortcoming of alcohol-based antiseptics.