Rabbits are among the most widely used laboratory mammals, particularly in safety testing and antibody production, and face significant welfare challenges from traditional housing and procedures.
Laboratory rabbit welfare has improved substantially in recent decades through refinements including social housing, enriched environments with elevated platforms and hides, and validated pain assessment tools. However, rabbits remain frequently housed individually in systems that restrict natural behavior. Antibody production methods that require chronic ascites fluid collection are particularly welfare-concerning. Transitioning to in vitro antibody production methods, social housing, and regular grimace scale assessment represents high-priority refinement opportunities. The EU and UK have introduced stronger guidelines, but implementation and monitoring vary.