** Brokerage Leerink Partners initiates coverage of three companies in the animal health space, IDEXX IDXX.O, Zoetis ZTS.N, and Elanco ELAN.N

** Leerink says ELAN is set for a return to growth with the launches of newer drugs for dogs, Zenrelia for itching and Credelio Quattro for parasitic infections, but the magnitude of the growth remains a question

** Brokerage is also cautious on the go-to-market investments for the drugs and said that its survey showed a lukewarm interest in Zenrelia

** IDXX, which offers diagnostics for animals, has been hurt by a slowdown in pet clinic visits due to inflationary pressures alongside persistent staffing challenges at clinics

** "The slowdown in vet visits appears to be ameliorating per our survey, which gives us more confidence in its growth prospects" — Leerink

** For ZTS, brokerage says it projects strong uptake of the company's newer osteoarthritis pain products with continued strength in eczema and parasiticides

(Reporting by Puyaan Singh)

((Puyaan.Singh@thomsonreuters.com))