Overview

• The Senate event “Future generazioni e Salute Animale,” spearheaded by Sen. Guido Quintino Liris, unveiled an Altems Advisory study on the value of veterinary research and innovation.
• The independent report, backed by Boehringer Ingelheim—which invests 10.5% of its net revenue in animal health R&D—found Italy’s companion pet population tops 20 million and the global animal health market exceeded $62 billion in 2024.
• Study data show about 58% of human infectious diseases are zoonotic, highlighting the urgency of integrated One Health approaches and enhanced disease surveillance.
• Italy has introduced the electronic veterinary prescription (REV) in 2019, implemented EU Regulation 2019/6 and established a One Health department at the Health Ministry to drive interoperable data and shared biological indicators.
• Following the report, policymakers and stakeholders called for insurance schemes, tax breaks and public-private collaborations to improve veterinary care access, boost research investment and avert future zoonotic outbreaks.