Op-Ed: From Farms to Living Rooms: The Impact of Animal Health Innovation

By Holger Lehmann

Animal health rarely makes national headlines — unless a disease outbreak compels it into the spotlight. When our agricultural and veterinary systems work as they should, they’re easily taken for granted.

But that underlying innovation pipeline sustains a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem central to America’s societal well-being.

Recent advances in animal health, from topically applied pharmaceuticals in cattle to long-acting flea and tick protection for dogs, are advancing the standard of care in veterinary medicine. They’re strengthening our food safety and supply chains, supporting rural livelihoods, and protecting millions of companion animals.

Maintaining that progress will require ever-increasing industry investments in the research and development (R&D) of high-quality medicines, vaccines, and technologies. And those investments must be matched by evidence-based and practical regulatory pathways that streamline approvals and ensure U.S. producers and animal owners have timely access to critical products.

The U.S. livestock industry remains vital to our prosperity, generating nearly $250 billion every year and supporting communities across the country. Today, agriculture and food account for 10% of all U.S. employment — more than 22 million jobs.

Proactive investments in animal health R&D power the innovation that keeps our food systems secure.

Parasitic disease in cattle and poultry remains a particular concern. Parasites can impact productivity — including weight gain, milk production, and even egg laying — undermining both animal welfare and producer livelihoods. In serious infestations, cattle can suffer substantial tissue damage and secondary infections.

As threats like New World screwworm approach the southern border, the demand for novel parasiticides is more urgent than ever. At Merck Animal Health, we developed a topical solution that prevents and treats screwworm infection in cattle. Breakthroughs like these show how sustained investment in animal health R&D equips producers to meet emerging challenges — while protecting livestock-dependent rural communities.

And that need for continued innovation extends to the companion animals Americans welcome into their homes. Two-thirds of U.S. households own one or more pets, including 90 million dogs and 70 million cats nationwide.

These families form strong emotional bonds with their animals and care deeply about their well-being. As veterinary medicine advances, pets are living longer, healthier lives, and owners are seeking more preventive, high-quality care.

Flea and tick prevention offers a clear example. These parasites affect the well-being of dogs, cause skin disease, and can transmit pathogens that cause serious disease and health effects in pets — and in humans. In July 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new flea and tick treatment developed by Merck Animal Health scientists. The long-lasting protection extends flea and tick control and eases the burden on pet owners.

Innovation is also expanding options for chronic conditions. Skin conditions are among the most common issues facing dogs, accounting for more than 20% of all veterinary visits. Allergic dermatitis can cause particularly severe pain.

With the recent FDA approval of an effective new treatment for allergic dermatitis, veterinarians can now reduce itching and discomfort associated with the condition. This exciting advancement can help to improve dogs’ well-being and provide peace of mind for their caregivers.

Across farms and households, animal health innovation enables a more stable food supply, stronger rural economies, fewer preventable losses, and a better quality of life for millions of pets. Sustaining this vital innovation ecosystem will require continued R&D and close collaboration among scientists, veterinarians, producers, and regulators.

For a country that depends on healthy herds and flocks, healthy pets, and resilient systems to thrive, the path forward is clear. Investing in animal health research is among the most important commitments we can make to our shared future.

Holger Lehmann, DVM,  Ph.D., is senior vice president, Research & Development, Merck Animal Health. This piece originally ran in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.