Zoetis, previously known as Pfizer Animal Health, became a reality on February 1 when 20% of the animal health business was listed on the New York Stock Exchange by its parent Pfizer. The 86 million shares were listed at US$26/share and reached US$31/share the same day.
“The creation of Zoetis marks a milestone, in the animal health industry as well as for the company. Public listing of the largest animal health company is a strong indicator of our faith in the sector. As a standalone animal health company, we now have a clear focus for our efforts, that is to offer solutions to the animal health sector, across a range of products and services,” says Patrick Dorahy, Zoetis general manager for New Zealand.
The new name Zoetis originates from the Greek word ‘zo’, signifying the bond between human and animal, and the word ‘zoetic’ meaning ‘pertaining to life’.
The name Zoetis aims to capture the focus on animals, companion and livestock, and the needs of the people charged with their care.
While the name Zoetis is new, Dorahy emphasises the company retains the people, and investments in research, development, and innovation that Pfizer Animal Health was known for.
Zoetis retains the global reach with presence in 120 countries, manufacturing sites in 25 locations, and 9500 people supplying product, supporting customers and developing new technologies. The company retains a strong local presence in New Zealand.
“Our goal is to improve herd productivity and pet wellness,” Dorahy says. “We do this by working with customers to better understand their needs and find solutions to those needs through local innovation and the assistance of global expertise”
Dorahy says New Zealand has been at the leading edge of innovation in product design and in services provided to customers that complement the company’s pharmaceuticals.
“The dairy business is significant and we have been fortunate to work with leading researchers who have developed label extensions and programmes tailor made for the dairy situation here.
In 2008 the portfolio was diversified with the acquisition of Catapult Genetics and with further investment through Ovita and Agresearch a suite of DNA tests have been developed and marketed globally.
Bopriva was developed specifically for New Zealand bull beef farmers with a vaccine to increase bull productivity and simplify management. New Zealand was the first country to launch Startect, a new combination drench for tackling sheep drench resistance.
Veterinarians have also benefitted from information from Zoetis. Its Infovet is a data gathering tool that assists farmers and dairy vets better manage herd health. Dorahy says over the past year a lot of effort had gone into splitting company systems and operations from the Pfizer business to ensure a seamless transition to Zoetis.
“As we launch Zoetis we hope our customers see a retention of the things we believe we do well, delivery of quality products and educational packages supported by high calibre people. We also believe we can do more, with a complete focus on animal health we aim to work even more closely with our customers,” he says.
