Animals in Science

Most work undertaken by Cefas does not involve the use of live animals. However, we believe that where no alternative approaches exist, the use of animals, including those protected under the UK Government’s Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 often known as ASPA can be justified and is necessary. At Cefas, we maintain very high standards of animal welfare, do all that we can to minimise pain and suffering and to limit the number of animals we use – in doing this we adhere to the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Refinement and Reduction) for more details of the 3Rs see the work of the NC3Rs (National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research). We respect the animals that we use and support a very strong culture of care. This is endorsed by our Chief Executive and formalised in our Animal Welfare Policy.

As a signatory to the Concordat on openness in animal research in the UK, Cefas is committed to openness and transparency with regard to our use of animals in our research. From the tabs below you can access information on our use of protected animals, we also include our annual statistics for regulated scientific procedures performed under ASPA and additional data on protected animals bred but not used within experimental procedures. You can also access summaries of our Home Office Project Licences which describe our ASPA regulated science in more detail, find out about our Animal Welfare & Ethical Review Bodies (AWERBs), and see some of the positive outcomes and impact of our work.