Spending by Americans on medicines used to protect the health of companion and farm animals was essentially unchanged in 2013 compared to 2012, not adjusted for inflation, according to figures released Jan. 14 by the Animal Health Institute (AHI).

Sales for medicines for pets and livestock combined totaled $7.5 billion. It is estimated that nearly 60% of the total are medicines for pets.

Sales in each of the three product categories — biologics, pharmaceuticals and feed additives — were unchanged. Three different federal agencies review animal health products: The U.S. Department of Agriculture reviews biologics, the Food & Drug Administration reviews pharmaceuticals and the Environmental Protection Agency reviews flea and tick treatments.

"Virtually every American benefits from the use of these medicines on a daily basis," AHI president and chief executive officer Alexander S. Mathews said. "Pet owners are able to keep animals indoors and provide them with longer and healthier lives. Food consumers enjoy a healthier food supply because farmers and veterinarians have access to medicine to keep food animals healthy."

Raw sales data is collected by CEESA, a non-profit international association based in Belgium. CEESA collects sales data on the animal health market in Europe as well. Total sales for the entire U.S. animal health products industry is calculated based on projections made by CEESA and provided to AHI. Sales are for products priced at the manufacturer's level. CEESA reporting companies represent 89% of the U.S. animal health products industry.