Annual Report Animal Testing: WUR invests in alternatives and animal welfare

Furthermore, some animal experiments are carried out with animals that are reused, for example for education purposes or for blood sampling, meaning the actual number of animals used is lower.

Why still animal testing?

In 2024, nearly 90% of the animal experiments conducted by WUR were classified as so-called target animal research – research in the interest of the animal or species itself. This includes research on wild fish populations and migration, as well as the development of vaccines against avian influenza to prevent outbreaks and reduce the disease burden on animals. Animal experiments remain necessary in some cases because they are required by law or because there is still no viable alternative, for example in research on animal health, food safety, or vaccine development.

Animal welfare comes first

WUR only conducts animal experiments when there is no viable alternative or when required by law. Every animal experiment requires a permit granted by the Central Animal Testing Committee: an independent administrative body of the Dutch government. The level of discomfort for the animal is carefully assessed both before and after the experiment. In 2024, the proportion of experiments with moderate or severe discomfort was limited, with the vast majority of animal experiments falling under the category of ‘mild discomfort’.

Alternatives on the rise

For years, WUR has been investing heavely in alternative research methods. Animal researchers now use advanced technologies such as:

• Drones and sensors to monitor wild and captive animals without disturbing them;
• Complex cell systems (organoids) that mimic the function of organs and can partially replace animal testing;
• Intelligent data models that predict animal health without the need for animal research.

In 2024, two WUR researchers received an award for their work on an alternative model for respiratory research in animals.

Looking ahead: investing in the future

WUR fully acknowledges and supports the societal and political pressure to reduce the number of animal experiments and is transparent about the animal tests it conducts. Despite budget cuts in the education and research sectors, WUR continues to invest in future proof research facilities, methods, and techniques, making animal-free and animal-friendly research and education increasingly common. This is within the broader context of, among other things, the protein transition, pandemic preparedness, and the ‘One Health’ approach, where human and animal health converge. Despite financial and geopolitical challenges, WUR remains committed to scientifically responsible and societally supported research.

Want to know more?

Read the full annual report or discover how WUR is working on animal-free innovations on the page about animal testing and the page about animal research.