Fewer animals are being used to release batches of veterinary vaccines than a decade ago, new figures from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) show. The average number of animals required to check the quality, safety, and effectiveness of a single batch of animal vaccine decreased by 41%, from 29 animals in 2013 to 17 in 2024.
Overall animal use fell by 29% during this period, even with an increase in the number of vaccines released. This reduction is attributed to scientific advancements and changes in testing requirements, allowing alternative measures to replace animal tests.
The removal of the routine Target Animal Batch Safety Test in 2013 was a significant factor, reducing animal use by thousands annually. Horses, cats, dogs, turkeys, and pigeons are no longer needed for routine quality control testing, and newly authorised vaccines are increasingly using animal-free methods.
The proportion of veterinary vaccines released in the UK that require any animal testing for quality control has also fallen sharply, from 74% in 2013 to 34% in 2024. This progress supports the government's commitment to reduce and replace animal use in science where possible.