Fewer animals used in veterinary vaccine testing
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The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) in the United Kingdom reported that animal use in veterinary vaccine quality control reached a ten-year low.
The average number of animals needed to release a batch of vaccine fell by 41 percent, from 29 in 2013 to 17 in 2024. Overall animal use decreased by 29 percent during the same period, even as the number of released vaccines increased.
The decline resulted from scientific advancements and changes in testing requirements, allowing alternative methods to replace animal tests while maintaining vaccine safety and effectiveness. Removing routine testing in 2013 significantly reduced animal use, and horses, cats, dogs, turkeys, and pigeons are no longer needed for standard quality control. Currently, developing alternatives for certain vaccines, like those for clostridial diseases and fish, presents scientific challenges.
However, the VMD and the animal health sector continue to collaborate on new approaches to further reduce animal testing without affecting vaccine quality. This progress supports the UK government’s commitment to phasing out animal testing in science.
