Improving transparency through open access to information on the use of animals for scientific purposes.
To progress towards the ultimate goal of full replacement, it is crucial to understand where, how and why animals are still required to be used for scientific purposes.
The data contained in the ALURES database is collected by the Member States and submitted to the European Commission annually.
Statistical database
The ALURES statistical database consists of three sections.
Section 1 gives the numbers of animals (conventional and genetically altered) that are used for the first time for research, testing, routine production, and for education and training. It also shows the species and the origins of the animals. For total numbers of animals used in these procedures, please consult this section.
Section 2 gives numbers of all uses (first use and subsequent reuses) of animals for research, testing, routine production and for education and training. It also gives the reason for use (e.g. specific research area, type of testing), the actual severity (mild, moderate, severe) experience by animals, the animal’s genetic status, and the use of animals to meet legislative requirements.
Section 3 gives the numbers of genetically altered animals to support scientific research. These animals were used for the creation of new lines or for the maintenance of existing colonies. Section 3 provides the actual numbers of animals used for the first time and details of all uses, and the type of research for which new genetically altered lines have been created. These animals are not included in Sections 1 and 2.
Reporting
The number of reporting countries varies. 2015-2017 data is compiled of data from 28 EU Member States. From 2018 onwards, also data from Norway is included and therefore direct year to year comparisons cannot be made between 2018 and previous years.
Currently ALURES allows for data mining at EU level. National data is published annually by the Member States and, from 2021 data onwards, also accessible through ALURES.
In addition to the provision of statistical data on the use of animals for scientific purposes, it is important that information on projects using live animals is made publicly available. Article 43 of the Directive establishes non-technical project summaries (NTS) to achieve this. Detailed content of NTS can be found in Annex I of Commission Implementing Decision 2020/569/EU.
These non-technical project summaries are available in the open-access ALURES NTS EU Database.
Concerning the timing of publication in the EU database, Member States are required to submit NTS for projects authorised after 1.1.2021 within six months from the authorisation.
Concerning the update of NTS with the results of retrospective assessment, it is important to know that the Directive allows the possibility to inform about an upcoming retrospective assessment in the NTS. The following Member States have transposed this requirement in their national legislation: Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden and Finland.
The remaining Member States are not required to note in the NTS whether a project is selected for retrospective assessment. They are nevertheless free to use the EU database for the publication of the results of the retrospective assessment on a voluntary basis.
Until the end of 2020, Member States were required to publish NTS at a national level. For projects authorised after January 2021, NTS are published in the Database. A list of national websites hosting NTS published before 2020 can be found below.
