Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Dogs, Cats, Horses, Cattle, Pigs, Poultry), By Application (Clinical Pathology, Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, Productivity Testing, Pregnancy Testing, Toxicology Testing), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2035

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Overview

The global Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market size estimated at USD 6472.09 million in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 13827.67 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 8.81% from 2026 to 2035.

The Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market is experiencing substantial expansion due to rising companion animal ownership, increasing livestock disease surveillance programs, and growing demand for advanced veterinary diagnostic services worldwide. More than 70% of veterinary clinics in developed regions depend on outsourced laboratory testing for microbiology, hematology, pathology, toxicology, and molecular diagnostics. Over 65% of veterinary hospitals have integrated automated analyzers and digital pathology systems into diagnostic workflows. 

The United States Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market remains among the most advanced globally due to high veterinary healthcare expenditure and strong pet ownership levels. The country has more than 32,000 veterinary clinics and hospitals, while companion animal ownership exceeds 66% of households. Nearly 58% of veterinary diagnostic testing in the U.S. is outsourced to specialized reference laboratories for clinical chemistry, virology, and pathology services. More than 45% of veterinary laboratories have adopted molecular diagnostic platforms for rapid disease identification. 

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Key Findings

• Market Size & Growth: Over 70% of veterinary clinics globally utilize outsourced laboratory testing services, while more than 60% of laboratories are expanding infectious disease and molecular diagnostic capabilities.
• Key Market Driver: More than 68% growth in companion animal diagnostic testing demand, while preventive healthcare screenings contribute approximately 57% of total veterinary laboratory procedures globally.
• Major Market Restraint: Nearly 42% of smaller veterinary facilities face limited access to advanced molecular diagnostic equipment, while 39% report shortages of skilled veterinary laboratory professionals.
• Emerging Trends: Approximately 64% of veterinary laboratories are implementing AI-supported diagnostic systems, while over 55% have adopted digital pathology and cloud-based reporting technologies.
• Regional Leadership: North America contributes nearly 48% of advanced veterinary diagnostic adoption, while Europe represents more than 27% of specialized laboratory testing demand worldwide.
• Competitive Landscape: More than 58% of leading laboratories are investing in automation technologies, while 46% are expanding multi-location veterinary diagnostic networks and specialty testing centers.
• Market Segmentation: Clinical chemistry accounts for nearly 34% of testing demand, molecular diagnostics represent 26%, and immunodiagnostic procedures contribute approximately 21% of laboratory services.
• Recent Development: More than 51% of veterinary reference laboratories introduced rapid PCR panels and automated sample processing technologies within the last two years.

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Latest Trends

The Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends indicate strong adoption of precision diagnostics, laboratory automation, and digital veterinary healthcare technologies. More than 62% of veterinary laboratories worldwide now utilize automated analyzers for clinical chemistry and hematology procedures. PCR-based diagnostics have increased by over 54% due to growing concerns regarding zoonotic disease outbreaks and infectious disease surveillance. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Insights reveal that nearly 49% of diagnostic providers are investing in next-generation sequencing technologies for enhanced disease detection accuracy. Digital pathology implementation has surpassed 43% among large veterinary laboratories, improving turnaround times and diagnostic consistency across multiple testing categories.

Increasing pet insurance coverage and preventive veterinary healthcare programs continue supporting Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Growth. More than 59% of companion animal owners seek annual preventive health screenings for pets. The livestock industry has intensified disease monitoring initiatives, with nearly 47% of poultry and cattle farms implementing routine laboratory surveillance systems. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Forecast data indicates rising demand for toxicology, microbiology, and parasitology testing services due to increasing awareness regarding food safety standards and animal disease transmission.

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Dynamics

DRIVER

"Increasing Demand for Companion Animal Diagnostics"

The rising global companion animal population remains one of the strongest drivers in the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market. More than 66% of households in developed economies own at least one pet, significantly increasing demand for diagnostic testing services. Approximately 61% of pet owners now prefer routine veterinary screening programs for early disease detection and preventive care. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Opportunities continue expanding as testing demand for oncology, endocrinology, and infectious diseases rises across veterinary healthcare facilities. 

RESTRAINTS

"High Cost of Advanced Diagnostic Infrastructure"

The Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market faces significant restraints related to high infrastructure and technology investment costs. More than 41% of smaller veterinary laboratories report financial limitations preventing adoption of molecular diagnostic systems and automated analyzers. Advanced diagnostic equipment, including PCR platforms and digital imaging systems, requires substantial maintenance and calibration expenditure. Approximately 37% of veterinary clinics in emerging economies continue using conventional diagnostic methods due to restricted capital availability. 

OPPORTUNITY

"Expansion of Molecular and Genetic Testing Services"

Molecular diagnostics and genetic testing services are creating major opportunities in the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market. More than 53% of veterinary laboratories are expanding PCR-based infectious disease panels and DNA testing capabilities for companion and livestock animals. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Research Report findings indicate increasing adoption of genomic testing for hereditary disease identification, breed-specific health assessment, and personalized veterinary treatment planning. 

CHALLENGE

"Complex Regulatory and Quality Compliance Requirements"

The Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market faces operational challenges associated with laboratory accreditation standards, biosafety protocols, and quality assurance compliance. Nearly 44% of veterinary diagnostic providers report difficulties maintaining compliance with evolving disease surveillance regulations and laboratory certification requirements. Cross-border transportation of biological samples and regional differences in animal health regulations further complicate laboratory operations. 

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Segmentation

The Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market segmentation is categorized by type and application based on animal species, disease diagnostics, and laboratory testing procedures. By type, the market includes dogs, cats, horses, cattle, pigs, and poultry, with companion animals contributing more than 58% of specialized diagnostic testing demand globally. Livestock testing accounts for over 42% of veterinary surveillance activities due to increasing disease monitoring programs. 

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BY TYPE

Dogs: Dogs represent one of the largest segments within the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market due to increasing companion animal ownership and growing awareness regarding preventive healthcare diagnostics. More than 48% of companion animal diagnostic tests globally are performed for canine healthcare management. Veterinary clinics increasingly rely on specialized reference laboratories for hematology, clinical chemistry, endocrinology, microbiology, and molecular testing procedures for dogs. Nearly 62% of dog owners seek annual preventive diagnostic screening, including blood analysis, fecal testing, allergy diagnostics, and infectious disease monitoring. Canine obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer cases have significantly increased, resulting in rising demand for pathology and oncology-related laboratory testing services. 

Cats: Cats account for a major share of the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market because of increasing feline healthcare awareness and rising incidence of chronic illnesses among aging cats. Nearly 41% of companion animal laboratory diagnostics globally are related to feline healthcare testing procedures. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Insights indicate growing demand for thyroid function testing, kidney disease diagnostics, infectious disease screening, and hematology analysis among domestic cats. More than 57% of feline veterinary consultations involve laboratory diagnostic support for disease identification and preventive care management. Feline diabetes, renal disorders, obesity, and gastrointestinal infections have significantly increased, resulting in higher utilization of diagnostic pathology and molecular testing services. 

Horses: Horses represent a specialized but highly important segment within the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market due to increasing equine sports activities, breeding programs, and disease surveillance initiatives. More than 28% of equine veterinary procedures require laboratory diagnostic support for infectious diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, reproductive health, and toxicology screening. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends indicate increasing demand for equine hematology, endocrinology, and microbiology testing services among racing, breeding, and recreational horse facilities. Approximately 47% of equine hospitals outsource advanced molecular diagnostics and pathology services to specialized veterinary laboratories. 

Cattle: Cattle diagnostics form a major component of the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market due to increasing livestock disease surveillance and food safety monitoring programs. More than 52% of livestock laboratory testing globally is associated with cattle healthcare management and infectious disease monitoring. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Forecast data indicates rising demand for bovine bacteriology, virology, toxicology, and reproductive testing procedures across dairy and beef production systems. Approximately 61% of large-scale cattle farms conduct routine laboratory screening for mastitis, bovine respiratory disease, tuberculosis, brucellosis, and parasitic infections. 

Poultry: Poultry diagnostics remain a critical segment within the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market due to rising poultry production volumes and increasing disease surveillance requirements. More than 58% of commercial poultry operations perform routine laboratory testing for avian influenza, Newcastle disease, salmonella, and respiratory infections. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Insights indicate substantial demand for bacteriology, virology, and parasitology testing services within poultry farming systems. Approximately 49% of poultry disease diagnostics are conducted using molecular testing platforms such as PCR and rapid antigen detection systems. 

BY APPLICATION

Clinical Pathology: Clinical pathology represents one of the largest applications in the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market due to extensive use of hematology, urinalysis, cytology, and blood chemistry testing across companion and livestock animal healthcare. Nearly 34% of all veterinary laboratory procedures globally are associated with clinical pathology diagnostics. Veterinary clinics increasingly depend on specialized laboratories for routine wellness screening, chronic disease monitoring, and emergency diagnostic evaluation. More than 63% of companion animal hospitals utilize outsourced clinical pathology services for endocrine testing, metabolic profiling, and organ function analysis. 

Bacteriology: Bacteriology remains a vital application segment in the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market because of increasing bacterial infection monitoring and antimicrobial resistance surveillance programs. More than 51% of veterinary infectious disease investigations involve bacteriological laboratory testing procedures. Veterinary laboratories routinely perform bacterial culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and pathogen identification for companion animals, livestock, and poultry operations. Approximately 46% of livestock disease outbreaks globally involve bacterial pathogens requiring laboratory confirmation and epidemiological monitoring. 

Virology: Virology testing plays a critical role in the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market due to increasing viral disease outbreaks affecting companion animals and livestock populations globally. Nearly 48% of infectious disease diagnostics in veterinary healthcare involve virology-related testing procedures. PCR-based viral diagnostics have expanded by more than 54% because of rising concerns regarding zoonotic diseases and highly contagious viral infections. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Analysis indicates strong demand for avian influenza, rabies, feline leukemia virus, canine parvovirus, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome testing services. 

Productivity Testing: Productivity testing has become increasingly important in the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market due to rising demand for livestock performance optimization and commercial farming efficiency. More than 53% of dairy and poultry producers conduct laboratory-based productivity analysis to improve feed conversion, milk yield, and reproductive performance. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends indicate growing utilization of metabolic profiling, nutritional analysis, and biochemical testing services across commercial livestock operations. Approximately 46% of dairy farms routinely perform laboratory screening for metabolic disorders affecting productivity and milk quality. 

Toxicology Testing: Toxicology testing remains an essential application segment in the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market because of increasing concerns regarding feed contamination, accidental poisoning, and environmental toxin exposure. Nearly 42% of emergency veterinary consultations involving unexplained illness require toxicological laboratory analysis. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Analysis highlights rising demand for pesticide screening, heavy metal detection, drug residue analysis, and feed contamination testing services. More than 48% of equine toxicology procedures involve medication monitoring and prohibited substance detection for racing and competitive events. Livestock industries increasingly utilize toxicology diagnostics for food safety compliance and environmental exposure monitoring.

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Regional Outlook

The Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market demonstrates strong regional diversification driven by companion animal healthcare demand, livestock disease monitoring, and advanced diagnostic technology adoption. North America accounts for nearly 48% of the global Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Share due to high pet healthcare expenditure and widespread use of molecular diagnostics. Europe contributes approximately 27% market share supported by stringent animal disease surveillance programs and livestock safety regulations. Asia-Pacific represents nearly 19% of the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Growth owing to rising livestock production, increasing pet ownership, and expanding veterinary infrastructure.

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NORTH AMERICA

North America dominates the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market with approximately 48% global market share due to advanced veterinary healthcare infrastructure, increasing pet ownership, and rising demand for preventive animal diagnostics. More than 66% of households in the region own companion animals, resulting in significant laboratory testing volumes for hematology, microbiology, endocrinology, and molecular diagnostics. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Analysis indicates that nearly 61% of veterinary clinics across North America outsource advanced testing services to specialized reference laboratories. Molecular diagnostics adoption exceeds 54% among veterinary diagnostic providers, particularly for infectious disease monitoring and oncology testing. More than 58% of animal hospitals in the region have integrated automated analyzers and digital pathology systems into routine laboratory workflows. The United States contributes the largest portion of regional testing demand, supported by more than 32,000 veterinary clinics and hospitals.

EUROPE

Europe accounts for nearly 27% of the global Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Share due to strong regulatory frameworks, increasing livestock disease surveillance, and rising companion animal healthcare awareness. More than 57% of veterinary laboratories in Europe utilize advanced molecular diagnostics for infectious disease monitoring, pathology testing, and zoonotic disease prevention. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends indicate increasing demand for bacteriology, virology, and parasitology diagnostics within cattle, poultry, and swine industries. Approximately 49% of livestock farms across Europe participate in mandatory disease surveillance and food safety monitoring programs supported by veterinary reference laboratories. Germany, France, and the United Kingdom remain major contributors to regional market expansion because of advanced veterinary healthcare systems and widespread laboratory automation adoption. 

GERMANY Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

Germany represents one of the leading contributors to the European Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market with approximately 23% regional market share. The country demonstrates strong demand for companion animal diagnostics, livestock disease surveillance, and advanced laboratory automation technologies. More than 55% of veterinary clinics in Germany outsource specialized pathology, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics to veterinary reference laboratories. Companion animal ownership continues increasing, with nearly 47% of households owning pets, resulting in rising demand for preventive healthcare diagnostics and chronic disease screening. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Insights indicate that over 52% of veterinary laboratories in Germany utilize automated chemistry analyzers and PCR-based molecular testing systems. Infectious disease surveillance remains a major priority, particularly within cattle and poultry industries. 

UNITED KINGDOM Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

The United Kingdom accounts for approximately 18% of the European Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Share due to increasing pet healthcare expenditure and advanced veterinary diagnostic infrastructure. More than 62% of veterinary clinics across the country utilize outsourced laboratory services for clinical pathology, endocrinology, and molecular diagnostics. Companion animal diagnostics dominate laboratory workloads, with over 58% of pet owners preferring annual preventive screening for chronic diseases and infectious conditions. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends indicate rising adoption of digital pathology and automated laboratory systems within the United Kingdom. Approximately 51% of veterinary laboratories have integrated PCR-based infectious disease testing platforms for rapid disease detection and outbreak response. The livestock industry also contributes significantly to diagnostic testing demand, particularly regarding bovine tuberculosis, avian influenza, and swine disease monitoring. 

ASIA-PACIFIC

Asia-Pacific represents nearly 19% of the global Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Share and continues demonstrating strong expansion due to rising livestock production, increasing companion animal ownership, and improving veterinary healthcare infrastructure. More than 54% of commercial poultry and swine operations across the region conduct routine laboratory testing for disease surveillance and biosecurity management. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Growth is particularly strong in China, Japan, India, and Australia due to increasing demand for molecular diagnostics, pathology testing, and preventive veterinary healthcare services. Companion animal ownership is increasing rapidly across major urban centers within Asia-Pacific. Nearly 48% of veterinary hospitals in metropolitan regions now provide preventive diagnostic screening programs for pets, including hematology, endocrinology, and infectious disease testing. 

JAPAN Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

Japan accounts for approximately 21% of the Asia-Pacific Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Share due to advanced veterinary healthcare systems and increasing companion animal diagnostics demand. More than 54% of households owning pets in urban regions seek annual preventive healthcare diagnostics for chronic disease management and infectious disease screening. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Research Report findings indicate strong demand for molecular pathology, endocrinology, and oncology-related testing procedures within companion animal healthcare facilities. Advanced diagnostic automation remains a major strength of the Japanese market. Nearly 58% of veterinary laboratories in Japan utilize automated chemistry analyzers, digital pathology systems, and PCR-based testing platforms. Companion animal diagnostics contribute more than 63% of total veterinary laboratory procedures in the country. 

CHINA Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

China represents one of the fastest-growing regions within the Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market and accounts for approximately 38% of Asia-Pacific market share. The country demonstrates strong demand for livestock disease surveillance due to large-scale poultry, cattle, and swine production activities. More than 61% of commercial livestock operations utilize laboratory-supported disease monitoring programs for avian influenza, African swine fever, and bacterial infections. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Analysis highlights increasing adoption of molecular diagnostics and automated pathology technologies across major veterinary healthcare facilities. Companion animal healthcare is also expanding rapidly in China due to urbanization and increasing pet ownership levels. Approximately 49% of urban pet owners seek preventive laboratory screening for chronic disease detection and wellness management.  

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

Middle East & Africa account for approximately 6% of the global Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Share due to increasing livestock disease surveillance and expanding poultry production activities. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends indicate rising investment in veterinary healthcare infrastructure, particularly in Gulf countries and South Africa. More than 51% of commercial poultry farms across the region conduct routine laboratory testing for avian influenza, salmonella, and respiratory disease surveillance. Livestock disease monitoring programs are also expanding due to growing concerns regarding zoonotic disease transmission and food safety standards. Companion animal healthcare continues developing steadily within urban areas across the Middle East. Approximately 39% of veterinary clinics in metropolitan regions now outsource advanced pathology and molecular diagnostics to specialized laboratories. 

List of Key Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Companies

• IDEXX Laboratories
• Synlab International GmbH
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• VCA (Mars Petcare)
• Laboklin GmbH
• GD Animal Health
• Neogen Corporation
• Zoetis
• Pharmgate
• Axiom

Top Two Companies with Highest Share

• IDEXX Laboratories: Holds approximately 29% market share in advanced veterinary diagnostic services with more than 58% penetration in companion animal laboratory testing workflows.
• Zoetis: Accounts for nearly 17% market share supported by extensive molecular diagnostics adoption and more than 46% participation in livestock disease surveillance programs.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market continues attracting strong investment due to increasing demand for molecular diagnostics, preventive animal healthcare, and laboratory automation technologies. More than 57% of veterinary laboratories globally are investing in PCR testing systems, automated analyzers, and digital pathology platforms to improve operational efficiency and diagnostic precision. Companion animal diagnostics account for over 61% of new laboratory infrastructure investments because of increasing pet ownership and rising chronic disease prevalence among aging pets. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Opportunities are also expanding through AI-supported pathology systems and cloud-based laboratory information management solutions. Approximately 43% of veterinary diagnostic providers are increasing investments in telepathology technologies and remote diagnostic reporting systems.

Livestock disease surveillance programs continue creating major growth opportunities across poultry, cattle, and swine diagnostics. More than 49% of livestock producers globally are implementing laboratory-supported disease prevention and productivity monitoring programs. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Analysis highlights increasing investments in toxicology testing, genetic screening, and reproductive diagnostics for commercial farming operations. Nearly 38% of veterinary laboratories are expanding microbiology and virology testing capacities to address rising concerns regarding zoonotic disease outbreaks and food safety regulations. 

New Products Development

The Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market is witnessing rapid new product development focused on molecular diagnostics, rapid testing panels, and AI-assisted pathology systems. More than 53% of veterinary diagnostic providers have introduced advanced PCR-based infectious disease panels targeting zoonotic diseases, respiratory infections, and reproductive disorders. Automated microbiology systems capable of reducing diagnostic turnaround time by nearly 41% are increasingly being deployed across veterinary laboratories. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends also indicate rising demand for digital cytology and telepathology solutions integrated with cloud-based reporting systems. Approximately 44% of laboratories are developing species-specific genetic screening panels for canine, feline, and equine disease detection.

Companion animal healthcare remains a major focus area for product innovation. Nearly 47% of newly introduced diagnostic products are designed for preventive wellness screening and chronic disease monitoring in pets. Veterinary laboratories are also expanding rapid toxicology testing panels and automated endocrine testing solutions for veterinary hospitals and emergency care centers. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Insights reveal increasing development of portable diagnostic analyzers capable of supporting real-time veterinary testing workflows. More than 39% of diagnostic manufacturers are focusing on AI-assisted pathology software for improved image analysis and disease interpretation accuracy. 

Five Recent Developments

• IDEXX Laboratories expanded its molecular diagnostic testing portfolio in 2024 by increasing PCR panel coverage for canine and feline infectious diseases. The company also improved automated laboratory workflows, resulting in approximately 36% faster sample processing efficiency across companion animal diagnostic facilities.
• Zoetis introduced enhanced livestock disease surveillance solutions focused on swine and poultry diagnostics in 2024. The company expanded molecular testing capabilities by nearly 31% to support rapid outbreak identification and preventive veterinary healthcare management.
• Neogen Corporation strengthened its veterinary toxicology testing capabilities in 2024 by integrating advanced automated analytical systems. The new testing platform improved detection sensitivity for feed contamination and residue analysis by approximately 28%.
• Synlab International GmbH expanded digital pathology integration across veterinary laboratory operations in 2024. The implementation of AI-supported image analysis technologies improved diagnostic consistency by nearly 33% while reducing reporting turnaround times significantly.
• Laboklin GmbH increased investment in companion animal genetic testing services during 2024 by expanding breed-specific screening panels and hereditary disease diagnostics. The company reported approximately 29% growth in molecular testing utilization across veterinary healthcare networks.

Report Coverage Of Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

The Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Report provides comprehensive analysis of diagnostic technologies, animal healthcare trends, disease surveillance programs, and laboratory testing applications across global veterinary healthcare systems. The report evaluates companion animal and livestock diagnostic demand across clinical pathology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, toxicology, productivity testing, and pregnancy testing applications. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Research Report findings highlight that more than 62% of veterinary laboratories are implementing automation technologies and digital pathology systems to improve operational efficiency. The report also examines molecular diagnostic adoption, PCR testing expansion, and cloud-based laboratory information management systems across major regional markets.

The report further covers regional market performance, competitive landscape analysis, investment opportunities, and technological advancements influencing Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Growth. More than 57% of veterinary clinics globally now depend on outsourced laboratory testing services for specialized diagnostics and preventive healthcare management. The study also analyzes trends related to zoonotic disease surveillance, livestock productivity monitoring, AI-assisted diagnostics, and genetic testing services. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Outlook data included in the report demonstrates increasing demand for rapid infectious disease detection, automated pathology workflows, and precision veterinary medicine solutions.