Rabies Diagnostics Market Report

Global Rabies Diagnostics Market Size

The global rabies diagnostics market size is valued at USD 1.69 billion in 2024 and is estimated at USD 1.80 billion in 2025, anticipated to reach USD 3.18 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease caused by the rabies lyssavirus, which affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial not only for patient management but also for public health surveillance and control of the disease. Rabies diagnostics include traditional methods such as fluorescent antibody tests (FAT), histopathological examination, and viral isolation, alongside newer molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). As per the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies remains endemic in more than 150 countries, with over 29 million people receiving post-exposure prophylaxis annually.

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Incidence of Rabies in Developing Regions

The persistent high incidence of rabies in developing regions is ascribed to the growth of the rabies diagnostics market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 59,000 human rabies deaths occur globally each year, with over 95% of these fatalities concentrated in Africa and Asia. Dogs are the main source of transmission to humans in these regions, where poor vaccination coverage among stray animal populations contributes to continuous outbreaks.

In India alone, rabies accounts for nearly 36% of global human rabies deaths, with an estimated 20,000 annual fatalities, as reported by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This high burden necessitates a robust diagnostic infrastructure to confirm cases and guide appropriate treatment decisions. Moreover, governments in affected nations are increasingly prioritizing rabies control programs, which include enhanced surveillance, diagnostic capacity building, and training of healthcare professionals. For instance, in 2023, the African Union launched a continent-wide initiative to strengthen rabies diagnostics through improved laboratory networks and cross-border collaboration, as per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Increasing Awareness and Government Initiatives for Rabies Prevention

Another significant driver of the Rabies Diagnostics Market is the rising awareness about rabies prevention and the implementation of targeted government interventions aimed at disease elimination. Public health campaigns, community education programs, and policy-level investments have significantly contributed to improved rabies surveillance and diagnostic accessibility, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As per the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), more than 40 countries have now developed national rabies elimination plans under the “Zero by 30” initiative, a WHO-led strategy aiming to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. In line with this goal, many governments have introduced mandatory reporting systems for rabies cases, which in turn increases the need for standardized diagnostic procedures. In Indonesia, for example, the Ministry of Health mandated rabies diagnostic testing in all provincial laboratories starting in 2022, leading to a notable increase in test volumes, as documented by the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association. Similarly, in the Philippines, a nationwide canine vaccination and surveillance program launched in 2021 included funding for mobile diagnostic units equipped with rapid rabies tests, enhancing rural diagnostic outreach.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Limited Diagnostic Infrastructure in Low-Income Countries

A major restraint affecting the Rabies Diagnostics Market is the lack of adequate diagnostic infrastructure in low-income countries, where rabies is most prevalent. Many endemic regions suffer from insufficient laboratory facilities, which is limited access to trained personnel, and inadequate supply chains for diagnostic reagents and equipment. This gap severely hampers the ability to conduct timely and reliable rabies testing, often resulting in underreporting and misdiagnosis.

According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), less than 30% of suspected rabies cases in Sub-Saharan Africa undergo confirmatory testing due to the absence of functional diagnostic labs in rural and semi-urban areas. In countries like Ethiopia and Tanzania, the majority of rabies diagnostics are conducted at centralized reference laboratories, creating delays in sample transportation and result dissemination. Additionally, the shortage of skilled virologists and technicians trained in rabies-specific diagnostic techniques such as the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) further exacerbates the problem. A 2023 report by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) noted that only 12 out of 54 African nations had fully equipped rabies diagnostic laboratories capable of performing FAT on a routine basis.

High Cost of Advanced Diagnostic Technologies

The high cost associated with advanced rabies diagnostic technologies presents a significant barrier to widespread adoption, particularly in resource-constrained settings. While modern techniques such as real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing, and multiplex assays offer superior sensitivity and specificity, their implementation requires expensive equipment, specialized expertise, and a continuous supply of costly reagents, factors that limit accessibility in low- and middle-income countries.

According to the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), the average cost of a single real-time PCR-based rabies diagnostic test exceeds USD 50, which is prohibitively expensive for many public health systems in endemic regions. In contrast, conventional diagnostic methods like the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) remain more affordable but require biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) facilities, which are scarce in many developing countries. A 2024 study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that over 70% of district-level health centers in Southeast Asia lacked the financial resources to procure and maintain automated PCR machines necessary for rapid and accurate rabies detection. Furthermore, frequent power outages and unreliable cold-chain logistics in rural areas make it difficult to sustain sophisticated diagnostic platforms. These economic and logistical challenges hinder the scalability of advanced rabies diagnostics, which is limiting their impact despite technological progress.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Development of Point-of-Care and Rapid Diagnostic Tests

An emerging opportunity transforming the Rabies Diagnostics Market is the development and deployment of point-of-care (POC) and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that enable faster, more accessible, and cost-effective rabies detection. These diagnostic tools are designed to function outside traditional laboratory environments, which makes them particularly valuable in remote and resource-limited areas where rabies is endemic. Recent innovations in lateral flow immunoassays and isothermal amplification techniques have led to the creation of portable diagnostic kits that can detect rabies antigens within minutes using minimal equipment. For instance, in 2023, researchers at the Pasteur Institute developed a novel RDT capable of identifying rabies virus in saliva samples without the need for complex instrumentation, as detailed in a publication in Emerging Infectious Diseases. Additionally, organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have funded projects aimed at scaling up POC diagnostics for rabies in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. In Bangladesh, a pilot program supported by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b) demonstrated a 40% improvement in case confirmation rates after introducing mobile diagnostic kits in rural clinics. These advancements highlight how POC and RDT technologies are poised to expand the reach and affordability of rabies diagnostics, offering a promising avenue for market growth.

Integration of Digital Health Platforms in Rabies Surveillance

The integration of digital health platforms into rabies surveillance systems represents a transformative opportunity for the Rabies Diagnostics Market. Several countries have already begun implementing digital rabies surveillance frameworks. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health partnered with the University of Nairobi in 2023 to launch a mobile-based rabies reporting app that allows healthcare workers and veterinarians to log suspected cases instantly, improving diagnostic turnaround times, as reported by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Similarly, India’s National Rabies Control Program has integrated artificial intelligence-driven chatbots and geographic information system (GIS) mapping to track rabies hotspots and allocate diagnostic resources more efficiently. According to the World Bank, such digital interventions have the potential to reduce diagnostic delays by up to 50%, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Underreporting and Lack of Standardized Reporting Mechanisms

One of the most pressing challenges facing the Rabies Diagnostics Market is the widespread underreporting of rabies cases due to inconsistent diagnostic practices and the absence of standardized reporting mechanisms. In many endemic regions, rabies remains a neglected tropical disease, with cases going unrecorded or misattributed to other neurological conditions due to limited diagnostic capacity and awareness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than 10% of rabies-related deaths in some Asian and African countries are officially documented, primarily because victims often die before seeking medical care or receive incorrect diagnoses. This lack of reliable epidemiological data hinders effective policymaking and resource allocation. Additionally, discrepancies in diagnostic protocols between the human and animal health sectors create inconsistencies in case verification. A 2023 joint assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) revealed that only a handful of countries maintain unified rabies surveillance databases integrating both human and animal health data.

Regulatory Hurdles and Delayed Approvals for Novel Diagnostic Kits

Regulatory complexities and prolonged approval processes for novel rabies diagnostic kits pose a significant challenge to market expansion. Many innovative tools face lengthy regulatory reviews before they can be deployed in endemic regions, which is delaying their availability to patients and healthcare providers. In several developing countries, regulatory frameworks for diagnostic devices are either outdated or inconsistently enforced, leading to uncertainty for manufacturers. According to the Global Health Innovation Center at Duke University, the average time required to secure regulatory clearance for new rabies diagnostics in low- and middle-income countries exceeds 18 months far longer than in high-income markets. In Nigeria, for instance, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been criticized for slow evaluation timelines, discouraging companies from entering the local market.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Method Insights

The Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) segment held 35.4% of the rabies diagnostics market share in 2024. FAT remains the gold standard for rabies diagnosis due to its high specificity and reliability in detecting rabies viral antigens in brain tissue samples. The widespread adoption of FAT by national reference laboratories and veterinary diagnostic centers globally is prompting the growth of the segment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), FAT has been endorsed as the primary confirmatory test for rabies in both humans and animals since the 1970s. The test’s ability to deliver results within two hours without requiring advanced molecular infrastructure makes it especially valuable in resource-limited settings where rapid confirmation is critical. Additionally, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that over 60% of rabies diagnostics conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia still rely on FAT due to its cost-effectiveness and minimal equipment requirements. As part of the global “Zero by 30” initiative, several countries have scaled up their capacity to perform FAT-based diagnostics, further reinforcing their entrenched position in the market.

The amplification methods segment is projected to grow with a CAGR of 14.8% during the forecast period. A major factor fueling this growth is the rising use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays for diagnosing rabies in both human and animal populations. PCR allows for the detection of rabies virus RNA even in low-concentration samples, making it invaluable for ante-mortem testing and epidemiological studies. As outlined in a 2023 whitepaper by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), real-time PCR methods offer greater sensitivity than traditional FAT, particularly in cases where sample degradation is a concern. Furthermore, advancements in portable PCR platforms are enabling field-level diagnostics in remote areas, which is significantly improving case reporting accuracy.

By Technology Insights

The PCR technology segment accounted in holding 32.1% of the Rabies Diagnostics Market share in 2024. PCR-based diagnostics have become integral to rabies detection due to their high sensitivity, specificity, and ability to detect viral genetic material even in small quantities. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), real-time PCR assays can detect rabies virus RNA in saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, and skin biopsies, enabling earlier diagnosis in living patients. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health integrated PCR into its national rabies surveillance system in 2023, allowing for faster identification of outbreaks among wildlife reservoirs such as bats, as detailed in a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) bulletin. Additionally, the development of multiplex PCR panels capable of differentiating between rabies and other encephalitic pathogens enhances diagnostic precision.

The ELISA technology segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 13.6% during the forecast period. This rapid growth is attributed to the increasing use of ELISA for serological screening, vaccine efficacy assessment, and large-scale epidemiological studies related to rabies. As per the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), ELISA-based serology is now a mandatory component of international dog export certification protocols to ensure immunity against rabies.

By End-Use Insights

The diagnostic centers segment was the largest and held 37.5% of the rabies diagnostics market share in 2024. A key driver behind this segment’s dominance is the increasing reliance on centralized labs for accurate and validated rabies diagnostics in regions with fragmented healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diagnostic centers serve as critical nodes in national rabies surveillance networks by ensuring proper documentation and reporting of confirmed cases. Additionally, in Kenya, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) expanded its rabies diagnostic services through a network of accredited labs, supporting both human and animal health sectors.

The hospitals segment is expected to grow with a CAGR of 12.4% throughout the forecast period. One significant contributor to this growth is the integration of rabies diagnostics into emergency care protocols, particularly in endemic regions where hospital staff are trained to recognize and manage potential rabies exposure. In the Philippines, the Department of Health mandated all tertiary hospitals to maintain rabies diagnostic readiness under its 2023 Rabies-Free Philippines initiative, as reported by the Philippine Epidemiology Bureau. Additionally, the introduction of mobile diagnostic units linked to hospital networks in rural India has improved access to timely rabies testing, which is reducing delays in treatment initiation.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Asia Pacific Rabies Diagnostics Market Insights

Asia Pacific was the top performer in the rabies diagnostics market by holding 31.2% of the share in 2024. India accounts for the largest portion of the APAC market, responsible for over 35% of regional revenue. According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), India records more than 20,000 rabies deaths annually, prompting increased investment in diagnostic infrastructure and surveillance programs. The government’s National Rabies Control Program has expanded diagnostic access to district-level hospitals and introduced rapid antigen detection kits to improve case confirmation. China follows closely, with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) integrating real-time PCR diagnostics into its national rabies monitoring framework. Meanwhile, Indonesia has intensified efforts to combat rabies in Bali and Nusa Tenggara through mobile diagnostic teams and inter-agency collaboration.

North America Rabies Diagnostics Market Insights

North America rabies diagnostics market was positioned next with 22.3% of the share in 2024. The United States leads the regional market, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) playing a central role in rabies surveillance and diagnostics. The country also benefits from advanced molecular diagnostics and next-generation sequencing capabilities used for variant tracking and outbreak response. Canada follows closely, with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) overseeing rabies diagnostics in wildlife and domestic animals, particularly in Ontario and Quebec. Additionally, the increasing availability of commercial diagnostic kits from companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific and Bio-Rad supports widespread testing accessibility.

Europe Rabies Diagnostics Market Insights

Europe rabies diagnostics market is lucratively to gain a prominent CAGR in the next coming years. The European Union has largely controlled terrestrial rabies in dogs and foxes through mass vaccination campaigns, but wildlife reservoirs such as bats remain a concern. The European Reference Laboratory for Rabies, based in France, plays a pivotal role in coordinating diagnostics and training programs across member states. In the UK, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) maintains rigorous rabies surveillance at border entry points to prevent the reintroduction of the disease.

Latin America Rabies Diagnostics Market Insights

The Latin America rabies diagnostics market is prominently to grow with prominent growth opportunities in the coming years. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Brazil reported over 600 animal rabies cases in 2023, mainly in cattle and wild carnivores, necessitating enhanced diagnostic capabilities. The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) has been instrumental in expanding rabies testing access through mobile laboratories and field diagnostics. In Mexico, the Secretariat of Health implemented a national rabies control plan in 2023, incorporating improved diagnostic protocols and vaccination drives targeting stray dog populations.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS AND COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

MyBioSource.com, Aviva Systems Biology Corporation, Norgen Biotek Corporation, Merck KGaA, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Creative Diagnostics, Demeditec Diagnosis GmbH, Express Biotech International Inc., Abbexa Ltd., and BioNote Inc. are some of the key market players in the rabies diagnostics market.

The competition in the Rabies Diagnostics Market is characterized by a mix of established diagnostic companies and emerging players striving to enhance their technological capabilities and geographic reach. While leading firms dominate with well-established product lines and regulatory approvals, smaller companies are gaining traction by introducing innovative, cost-effective, and field-deployable diagnostic solutions. The market is witnessing increased collaboration between private sector players and public health bodies to align product development with global rabies elimination goals. Additionally, as demand for faster and more accurate diagnostics grows, companies are investing in next-generation technologies such as molecular assays and multiplex testing platforms. However, challenges such as limited healthcare budgets in endemic regions, regulatory complexities, and the need for trained personnel continue to shape competitive dynamics.

Top Players in the Rabies Diagnostics Market

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, offering a wide range of rabies diagnostic solutions, including ELISA kits, PCR reagents, and fluorescent antibody test kits. The company plays a pivotal role in supporting both human and animal health sectors by providing standardized, high-quality diagnostic tools used in laboratories worldwide. Thermo Fisher contributes significantly to rabies surveillance and control programs, especially in collaboration with international health organizations.

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Bio-Rad is a key player in the Rabies Diagnostics Market, known for its innovative immunoassay-based diagnostic products, particularly ELISA kits used for detecting rabies antibodies in animals. These tools are essential for monitoring vaccine efficacy and conducting epidemiological studies. The company supports public health initiatives through reliable and scalable diagnostic technologies that aid in large-scale immunization planning and disease tracking across endemic regions.

ID Vet – Innovative Veterinary Diagnostic Solutions

ID Vet specializes in veterinary diagnostics and has developed highly specific and sensitive assays tailored for rabies detection. Its portfolio includes post-vaccination serology tests and direct antigen detection kits widely adopted in national and international rabies control programs. ID Vet plays a crucial role in facilitating cross-border trade compliance and supporting global rabies elimination efforts by focusing on advanced diagnostic solutions for animal health.

Top Strategies Used by Key Market Participants

One major strategy employed by key players in the Rabies Diagnostics Market is expanding product portfolios through innovation and development of rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tools. Companies are increasingly investing in portable and easy-to-use diagnostic kits that can be deployed in remote and resource-limited settings where rabies remains endemic.

Another critical approach involves strengthening partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions. Collaborative efforts help manufacturers align their product development with public health needs, gain access to funding, and integrate their diagnostics into national rabies control strategies.

Companies are focusing on enhancing global distribution networks and local technical support systems to ensure the timely availability of diagnostic products and training for healthcare and veterinary professionals. This not only improves market penetration but also builds long-term trust and reliability among end-users across diverse geographies.

RECENT MARKET DEVELOPMENTS

• In February 2024, Thermo Fisher Scientific expanded its partnership with the World Health Organization to co-develop enhanced rabies diagnostic protocols aimed at improving accuracy and accessibility in low-resource settings.
• In May 2024, Bio-Rad launched a new line of rapid rabies ELISA kits designed specifically for field use, which targets rural diagnostic centers and mobile veterinary units in endemic regions.
• In July 2024, ID Vet received approval from the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines for an upgraded version of its post-vaccination rabies antibody detection kit by enhancing its adoption in international trade certification.
• In September 2024, QIAGEN introduced a portable PCR-based rabies diagnostic solution tailored for deployment in remote areas, which supports early detection and real-time outbreak response.
• In November 2024, Becton, Dickinson and Company entered a strategic alliance with the Global Alliance for Rabies Control to improve diagnostic outreach in Sub-Saharan Africa through technology transfer and training programs.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the global rabies diagnostics market is segmented and sub-segmented based on type, technology, end-use, and region.

By Type

• Fluorescent Antibody Test
• Histologic Examination
• Immunohistochemical Tests
• Amplification Methods
• Serology Tests

By Technology

• ELISA/Immunohistochemistry
• Chromatography Techniques
• PCR 
• Others

By End-Use

• Hospitals
• Diagnostic Centers
• Cancer Palliative Care clinics
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa