Hester Biosciences Limited, India’s leading animal biological and health care company, has launched its PPR (Peste Des Petits Ruminants) vaccine and goat pox vaccine. With the launch of these vaccines as well as being the second largest poultry vaccine manufacturer in India, Hester has positioned itself to capitalise on upcoming opportunities in the animal health care industry globally as well as in India.

PPR vaccine is to be given annually to sheep and goats. PPR disease causes dysentery and death of the animal. It is, therefore, a disease of high economical importance worldwide. The total targeted population of sheep and goat for PPR vaccine in the world is 145 crores. In India, the targeted population is 20 crores.

“The world market for PPR vaccine is slated to be for Rs.300 crore annually. The Indian market would be Rs.40 crore annually. The PPR vaccine enables disease eradication and could be part of programmes of the Government of India. We are also the first company in India to manufacture the goat pox vaccine. This vaccine is to be given annually to goats. Goat pox disease causes death in goats,” said Rajiv Gandhi, CEO & MD, Hester Biosciences Ltd.

The total targeted population of goats for goat pox vaccine in the world is 97 crores, with 50 per cent of that population being in Asia. In India, the targeted population is 14 crores. The world market for goat pox vaccine is slated to be for Rs.500 crore annually. The Indian market is slated to be Rs.70 crore annually.

Apart from poultry and large animal vaccines, the company has recently forayed into poultry health products and large animal health products. These four verticals put together will underpin Hester’s identity as a strong animal health company, addressing all segments in the animal health care sector. Company currently manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and health products for India and global markets. Company’s product portfolio comprises of over 47 vaccines and over 35 health products.

The company invested Rs.7 crore in plant and machinery to augment its vaccine production capacity and expanding the range. “We hope to invest another Rs.18 crore in the next couple of years. This expansion will help us to meet rising demand from domestic and export markets”, he said.

It currently exports to 8 countries and product registration activities are on in over 20 countries. In the next 3-4 years international business would be equal or more than the domestic sales.

The global animal healthcare market is estimated at around $22 billion, off which the market size in India is $375 million. India has a huge poultry and cattle population and with growing awareness, market is expected to see a multi-fold increase in years to come. For the FY 2013-14, the company reported net profit of Rs.10.09 crore on revenue of Rs.69.05 crore.