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- Number of laboratory animals through the years
Number of laboratory animals through the years
More mice used
The number of mice reflects an increasing trend. In 1993, scientists used 151 337 mice. In 2007 the corresponding figure was 214 670. The same trend is observed in other countries, and is primarily a result of the greater use of transgenic methods.
Fewer rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs
However, a declining trend is found in the use of rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Between 1993 and 2007 the number of rats used in research decreased by more than half, to approximately 65 000. Dogs and the larger research animals, i.e. horses, dogs, sheep, and cattle, showed a weak increase over a 10-year period.
The strong increase in the number of laboratory animals reported in 2003 and onward is explained by the inclusion of fish tagging as animal research, starting from that year.
Responsible for content: Mats Ulfendahl, Secretary General of Medicine and health, Swedish Research Council.
Editor: Peter Tillhammar, Swedish Research Council. Contact: Send email to the editorial staff.
Editor: Peter Tillhammar, Swedish Research Council. Contact: Send email to the editorial staff.
