Research: Animal usage in QC tests for batch release of immunological products 2013 to 2024

The VMD undertook a review of the numbers of animals used by manufacturers in the quality control testing of batches of veterinary vaccines and other veterinary biological products, such as diagnostic products, released via the UK.

These batches have been released for use through the UK batch release authority between 2013 and 2024. The findings have been published in a report.

The report summary identifies key areas of improvement made and those on-going.

Competent Authorities and marketing authorisation holders alike have a duty to ensure that animal use is kept to a minimum and animal welfare legislation is upheld. The purpose of this report was to collate and analyse the number of animals used in the QC testing of IVMPs authorised in the UK and released via the UK between 2013 and 2024.

The analysis examines change in animal use for routine batch testing of IVMPs, identifies tests and product types for which animals continue to be used despite available alternatives, and highlights areas for further development of alternative animal free methods. Additionally, progress since the publication of the previous report containing data from 2007 to 2012 is assessed.