1. General information on any changes in trends observed since the previous reporting period

The overall number at animals used for scientific purposes in Denmark in 2016 is 273,224. In 2015 the same number was 244,411animals. Even though this is a significant increase in the number of animals, the trend, that the number of animals used in Denmark has been relatively stable over the last years, is nevertheless strengthens.
As usually, mice, rats and fish covers more than 90 % of the animals, but the number of fish has increased significantly, going from 19,848 to 51,899. See 2. for further specification. At the same time, the number of mice and rats has remained stable (202,035 in 2015 and 201,973 in 2016). The percentage of animals used for basic research has increased from 36 % to 38 %. This is due to the fact, that increased number of fish primarily has been used in basic research.
Animals used for regulatory purposes and for routine production have decreased from 9 % to 8 %, confirming the relatively low number of animals used for that purpose in Denmark.
Finally the number of animals experiencing severe suffering has doubled in 2016, still being on a relative low level of 1.68 %.

2. Information on significant increase or decrease in use animals in any of the specific areas and analysis of the reasons thereof

The clearest trend in 2016 was the large increase in the use of fish for research. But almost the whole increase was due to introduction of a new species and a new field of research in the statistics. There is a very strong research community in Denmark concerning breeding eel for human consumption.
Until now it has not been possible to breed eel, which could survive beyond the larvae stadium. However, due to scientific breakthroughs, it has recently changed, and the bread eel larvae now develop into fish covered by the directive. This covers a number of 23,935 animals, accounting for almost the whole increase in the use of fish. Procedures also covered by the directive are then performed on the animals, making them part of the statistic.
As this is a very important and economical interesting area, the numbers of eel in research are suspected to rise in the following years. As this area is considered to be basic research, the increase in eel will affect the ratio.

3. Information on any changes in trends in actual severities and analysis of the reasons thereof.

The number of animals experiencing severe severity has almost doubled in 2016 from 0.89 % to 1.68 %. The main reason is, that two large research groups have had specific new focus on models with the highest severity. As Denmark generally has few animals experiencing severe severity, a new focus from just one or two research groups will affect the numbers dramatically. However the level of severe severity in Denmark is still relatively low.

Statistics 2017

Animals used by species

Origin of animals

Use of species in procedures

Use of species in procedures by purposes

Use of species and severity

Use of species and genetic status

Species and re-use

Species and first use versus re-use

Genetically alterred animals - creation

Genetically alterred animals - breeding

Genetically alterred animals - use in procedures