FOI2026/00657 - Annual sales data of 12 veterinary medicines for companion animals since 1995 in the UK
Published 13 July 2026
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1. Your request
I am writing to formally request information on the quantity (e.g., kg) of available annual sales data for 12 veterinary medicines used in companion animals since 1995 in the UK for a scientific research aim.
The 12 target medicines are: Fipronil, imidacloprid, fluralaner, permethrin, flumethrin, moxidectin, selamectin, flubendazole, enrofloxacin, amoxicillin, ketoprofen, and ivermectin.
It would be highly appreciated if you could provide the information for each usage method (e.g., pipettes, sprays, etc.). If data for each usage is not available, please provide the total quantity for annual sales.
There is similar information on some of the above-mentioned medicines under FOI ATI0802 (currently available on the GOV.UK site under FOI ATI 1128). However, I would like to request its updated version.
2. Our reply
These sales data provided relate to products authorised for companion animals only (cats, dogs, ornamental birds, and rabbits). Products authorised for companion animals and food producing animals have not been included as we do not hold records on which species these products were used in.
We only hold electronically searchable sales data records from 2014/2015. Prior to that, records were not held in a way that could be used to compare sales in a meaningful way.
We do not hold sales data per package type. Therefore, where multiple pack sizes are marketed, an estimate of the weight of the pack sizes has been made to provide you with the information requested in kilograms. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest kg. Please be aware that some products contain multiple active ingredients and sales for these products are included in all tables for the respective ingredients.
Our records show there was 0 sales for companion animal medicines containing the active ingredient Flubendazole.
Data published by the VMD are not subject to independent verification and the VMD does not guarantee their accuracy. Sales data figures provided to the VMD may be amended by Marketing Authorisation Holders (MAHs) following initial submission so there may be differences compared to figures that have previously been published.
2.1 Information we have withheld
The usage methods for products included under each substance is provided. We are withholding granulated sales data for each method under Section 43(2). This level of detail comprises a very small number of MAHs (three or fewer), meaning it is possible to identify or infer individual MAH performance, market share, or commercial strategy. Disclosure would provide competitors with commercially valuable insights and could distort competition within the veterinary medicines market. Release would therefore prejudice the commercial interests of the MAHs concerned.
We are withholding sales data for Flumethrin, Fluralaner, Ivermectin and Ketoprofen under Section 43(2). The sales dataset comprises a very small number of MAHs (three or fewer) for each substance, meaning it is possible to identify or infer individual MAH performance, market share, or commercial strategy. Disclosure would provide competitors with commercially valuable insights and could distort competition within the veterinary medicines market. Release would therefore prejudice the commercial interests of the MAHs concerned.
2.2 Amoxicillin companion animal sales (kg active ingredient)
These include tablets and oral solutions.
| Year | Active Ingredient (kg) |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 7904 |
| 2015 | 5614 |
| 2016 | 6257 |
| 2017 | 7063 |
| 2018 | 6374 |
| 2019 | 6136 |
| 2020 | 5494 |
| 2021 | 7102 |
| 2022 | 6197 |
| 2023 | 6159 |
| 2024 | 5472 |
2.3 Enrofloxacin companion animal sales (kg active ingredient)
These include tablets, oral solutions and injectables.
| Year | Active Ingredient (kg) |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 99 |
| 2015 | 70 |
| 2016 | 60 |
| 2017 | 53 |
| 2018 | 48 |
| 2019 | 47 |
| 2020 | 49 |
| 2021 | 48 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 36 |
2.4 Fipronil companion animal sales (kg active ingredient)
These include pipettes and sprays.
| Year | Active Ingredient (kg) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1345 |
| 2016 | 1503 |
| 2017 | 1465 |
| 2018 | 1205 |
| 2019 | 1431 |
| 2020 | 1558 |
| 2021 | 1954 |
| 2022 | 1835 |
| 2023 | 1728 |
| 2024 | 1586 |
2.5 Imidacloprid companion animal sales (kg active ingredient)
These include pipettes and sprays.
| Year | Active Ingredient (kg) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 3958 |
| 2016 | 4307 |
| 2017 | 4218 |
| 2018 | 3694 |
| 2019 | 2658 |
| 2020 | 3097 |
| 2021 | 2552 |
| 2022 | 2315 |
| 2023 | 3084 |
| 2024 | 2888 |
2.6 Permethrin companion animal sales (kg active ingredient)
These include pipettes, collars, shampoos and vials.
| Year | Active Ingredient (kg) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 3091 |
| 2016 | 2971 |
| 2017 | 2615 |
| 2018 | 1634 |
| 2019 | 1620 |
| 2020 | 1533 |
| 2021 | 1736 |
| 2022 | 1184 |
| 2023 | 1487 |
| 2024 | 1029 |
2.7 Moxidectin companion animal sales (kg active ingredient)
These include pipettes and tablets.
| Year | Active Ingredient (kg) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 588 |
| 2016 | 630 |
| 2017 | 593 |
| 2018 | 511 |
| 2019 | 304 |
| 2020 | 352 |
| 2021 | 239 |
| 2022 | 266 |
| 2023 | 369 |
| 2024 | 320 |
2.8 Selamectin companion animal sales (kg active ingredient)
These include pipettes only.
| Year | Active Ingredient (kg) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 86 |
| 2016 | 252 |
| 2017 | 186 |
| 2018 | 222 |
| 2019 | 247 |
| 2020 | 187 |
| 2021 | 173 |
| 2022 | 137 |
| 2023 | 176 |
| 2024 | 205 |