Animal health sector backs EU plan to phase out animal testing
Industry urges EU to promote new approach methods globally
10 June 2026
1 minute read
By: The European animal health industry has welcomed the European Commission's newly published roadmap to phase out animal testing in chemical safety assessments, describing it as a milestone for safety and risk assessment processes in Europe, according to AnimalhealthEurope.
The association, which represents the animal medicines industry in Europe, said the sector has long championed the 3Rs principles — replacement, reduction and refinement — and is already making progress in this direction.
The sector supports accelerating the development, validation and uptake of technologies and methods to reduce reliance on animal-based tests in the research, development and manufacture of veterinary medicines. However, the association stressed the need to ensure the transition to new approach methods (NAMs) is also promoted by the EU among global regulatory counterparts.
"AnimalhealthEurope members are committed to the phase-out of animal-based tests, wherever and whenever possible, and the science-based phase-in of NAMs," said Roxane Feller, AnimalhealthEurope director general. "We look forward to close collaboration with the European Commission, the EMA [European Medicines Agency] and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Roadmap."
