Virbac is a French multinational animal health company that develops, manufactures, and markets veterinary medicines, vaccines, nutritional products, diagnostics, and hygiene solutions for both companion animals and livestock. Founded in 1968, Virbac is dedicated exclusively to animal health and has grown into one of the world’s leading veterinary pharmaceutical companies, operating in more than 100 countries. Today, it is recognized as the 6th largest animal health company globally by revenue. [1]

Virbac was established in 1968 by French veterinarian Dr. Pierre-Richard Dick.

During the 1960s, most pharmaceutical companies focused primarily on medicines for humans and livestock. Companion animals such as dogs and cats had relatively limited treatment options. Recognizing this gap, Dr. Dick founded Virbac with the vision of creating innovative medicines specifically designed for animal health. His goal was to support veterinarians with practical, science-based solutions that improved animal welfare.

The company began as a small biological research laboratory in Nice, France.

Over the following decades, Virbac expanded through:

• Veterinary pharmaceutical research

• Vaccine development

• International subsidiaries

• Strategic acquisitions

• Manufacturing expansion

• Veterinary education and technical services

Today Virbac maintains its original philosophy of focusing solely on animal health rather than diversifying into human pharmaceuticals. [1]

Virbac’s stated purpose is:

“Advancing the health of animals with those who care for them every day, so we can all live better together.”

The company aims to improve animal health while recognizing the close relationship between animals, humans, and the environment—an approach aligned with the One Health concept. [1]

Virbac develops products for nearly every stage of veterinary care.

Companion Animals

Products for:

• Dogs

• Cats

• Horses

Major categories include:

• Vaccines

• Parasite control

• Dermatology

• Ear care

• Eye care

• Dental care

• Nutritional supplements

• Prescription diets

• Pain management

• Antibiotics

Farm Animals

Solutions for:

• Cattle

• Swine

• Poultry

• Sheep

• Goats

• Aquaculture species

Focus areas include:

• Disease prevention

• Vaccination

• Parasite management

• Reproductive health

• Nutrition

• Productivity improvement

[1]

Virbac manufactures products across numerous veterinary specialties, including:

Pharmaceuticals

• Antibiotics

• Anti-inflammatory drugs

• Hormonal treatments

• Cardiology medications

Vaccines

• Canine vaccines

• Feline vaccines

• Livestock vaccines

• Poultry vaccines

Parasiticides

• Flea treatments

• Tick control

• Dewormers

• Heartworm prevention

• External parasite control

Dermatology

• Medicated shampoos

• Skin lotions

• Ear cleaners

• Allergy treatments

Dental Care

• Toothpaste

• Oral rinses

• Dental chews

• Plaque prevention products

Nutrition

• Clinical diets

• Nutritional supplements

• Milk replacers

• Livestock nutrition products

Diagnostics

• Veterinary diagnostic kits

• Disease detection tools

[1]

Research has been central to Virbac since its founding.

The company invests heavily in:

• Veterinary pharmaceuticals

• Vaccine technologies

• Animal nutrition

• Diagnostic methods

• Formulation science

• Disease prevention

Several notable milestones include:

• First canine parvovirus vaccine approved in France (1982)

• Genetically engineered feline leukemia vaccine (1988)

• Oral rabies vaccine for foxes

• Long-acting veterinary formulations

• Dermatological products using microencapsulation technology

Virbac also operates research and development centers across multiple continents. [1]

Virbac serves veterinarians, farmers, and pet owners worldwide through subsidiaries, manufacturing facilities, distribution partners, and research centers.

Its operations span:

• Europe

• North America

• South America

• Asia

• Africa

• Oceania

The company has manufacturing sites in countries including France, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Vietnam. [1]

Virbac products entered the Philippine market in 1972 through local distributors.

Virbac Philippines, Inc. was officially incorporated on March 23, 2000.

Today, the Philippine subsidiary supplies products and technical support to:

• Veterinary clinics

• Animal hospitals

• Swine producers

• Poultry farms

• Pet owners

• Agricultural distributors

The company emphasizes veterinary education, technical services, and nationwide product distribution. [2]

Virbac identifies several core values that guide its operations:

• Entrepreneurship

• Innovation

• Customer focus

• Scientific excellence

• Responsibility

• Sustainability

• Long-term partnerships

These principles are intended to support practical solutions for veterinarians, farmers, and animal owners. [2]

Virbac promotes the One Health concept, recognizing the interconnected health of animals, people, and the environment.

Its sustainability efforts include:

• Responsible antibiotic use

• Animal welfare

• Food safety

• Environmental stewardship

• Support for livestock productivity

• Research into alternatives to antibiotics

• Zoonotic disease prevention

[1]

Virbac competes with several major global animal health companies, including:

• Zoetis

• MSD Animal Health

• Elanco

• Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

• Ceva Santé Animale

Virbac differentiates itself by maintaining an exclusive focus on animal health rather than operating as a division of a broader pharmaceutical company. [1]

• 1968 – Founded by Dr. Pierre-Richard Dick in France.

• 1970 – Developed one of its first insecticide collars for dogs.

• 1977 – Introduced a veterinary cephalosporin antibiotic.

• 1982 – Released the first approved canine parvovirus vaccine in France.

• 1988 – Developed a genetically engineered feline leukemia vaccine.

• 1992 – Expanded into Asia with its first regional subsidiary.

• 2006 – Expanded significantly in India through acquisition.

• 2012 – Entered aquaculture health through acquisition of Centrovet.

• 2025 – Reported annual sales of approximately €1.465 billion and ranked as the world’s sixth-largest veterinary pharmaceutical company. [1]

Virbac is a globally recognized French animal health company that has remained dedicated exclusively to veterinary medicine since its founding in 1968. Through its broad portfolio of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, nutrition, diagnostics, and preventive healthcare products, it supports veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners in more than 100 countries. With a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and the One Health approach, Virbac has become one of the world’s leading veterinary pharmaceutical companies while maintaining its original mission of advancing animal health. [1]

1. About Virbac

2. Discover Virbac