On September 24, 2026, new figures released by Defra indicate a notable decrease in the use of animals for testing the quality of veterinary vaccines. Between 2013 and 2024, the average number of animals required to test a single batch of veterinary vaccine fell from 29 to 17, representing a 41% decrease.
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Overall animal usage in vaccine testing has declined by 29% during the same period, despite an increase in the number of vaccines being released. Additionally, the percentage of veterinary vaccines on the UK market that require any form of animal testing as part of quality control has significantly decreased from 74% to 34%.
The decline in animal testing is attributed to advancements in science and revised testing requirements that have allowed for the substitution of animal tests with alternative methods. The discontinuation of the Target Animal Batch Safety Test in 2013 has been identified as a crucial turning point, resulting in thousands fewer animals being used for testing each year.
Animals such as cats, dogs, horses, turkeys, and pigeons are no longer needed for routine quality control testing. However, developing alternatives for certain vaccines, including some clostridial and fish vaccines, remains challenging.
Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman remarked that this represents real progress for animal welfare, emphasizing the reduction in animal testing while ensuring the safety and efficacy of veterinary vaccines. VMD Chief Executive Abi Seager expressed commitment to further reducing animal testing and praised the consistent progress made over the past 12 years within the veterinary medicines industry.