Animal Research at UKHSA
The vast majority of UKHSA’s research does not involve animals. Occasionally, the use of animals to model the complexities of the human immune system and other important physiological functions is required to effectively undertake research into infectious and other diseases.
The UKHSA is a signatory on the Understanding Animal Research (UAR) Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK. Click the link below to read more about the Concordat.
Read the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UKWhy Animal Research is Important
Animal research plays a vital role in understanding how infectious, radiological, chemical and other environmental agents impact human health, particularly where complex biological responses cannot be replicated by other methods. Alongside approaches such as tissue and organ culture, it provides a unique capability that supports health security and scientific progress.
Such work underpins the development of diagnostics and medical countermeasures (including vaccines), advances understanding of radiation and environmental exposures, and generates evidence to inform public health, policy, communication, and effective response to incidents.
Further details of animal studies conducted by UKHSA sites can be viewed here.
UK regulations on research using animals
Use of animals for research in the UK is governed by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) with the Home Office. This stipulates that animal research can only be performed under a specified Project Licence (PPL), within an organisation with a Place Establishment Licence (PEL), and by individuals holding a Personal Licence (PIL). ASPA is implemented and regulated by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) with the Home Office. More information on ASPA and its operation can be found here.
In addition, there is guidance on the responsible acquisition and use of animal derived materials that are used in research, including ethical awareness and welfare considerations. Click the below link to the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) Ethical Framework to find out more.
Animal Welfare at UKHSA
One requirement of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) is to have an Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) to ensure that the use of animals is carefully considered, justified and performed to high standards; all opportunities for reduction, refinement and replacement (the 3Rs) are implemented; and the four commitments of the Understanding Animal Research (UAR) Concordat on Openness are upheld.
The Place Establishment License Holder (PEL) at each site has overall responsibility for the implementation of ASPA and the operation of the AWERB. The three AWERBs function locally but work collaboratively,to share best practice and report quarterly into the UKHSA Science Governance Committee.
Typical Annual Animal Usage Statistics at UKHSA
Across the three UKHSA sites that use animals in research, an average of 4,168 procedures have been carried out annually between 2017-2025(Fig 4). This represents less than 6% of the activity reported by the top 10 UK organisations, which each conducted between 60,580 and 223,787 procedures in 2023. Click for more information on how UKHSA compares to other UK organisations and how the UK compares to other European nations.
Most procedures take place at UKHSA Porton (67%), followed by UKHSA Chilton (31%) and UKHSA Colindale (2%). Mice are used most frequently (55%) followed by guinea pigs (30%), hamsters (6%), ferrets (4%), and a small portion of other species (4%) (Fig 5). The majority of these animals (75%) suffer no (4%), mild (49%) or moderate (23%) harm (as reported from 2024 onwards). (Fig 5). Click here for more information on UKHSA animal use for 2024 and previous years.
