News about Animals

The world’s oldest RNA extracted from woolly mammoth

New research offers a unique insight into the lives of mammoths during the last Ice Age.

The world’s oldest RNA extracted from woolly mammoth

New research offers a unique insight into the lives of mammoths during the last Ice Age.

Wild animals divide Danes – but most say “yes” to red deer and fences

A new nationwide survey from the University of Copenhagen shows that most Danes would like to see more large animals in the forests. Danes prefer forests with wild animals such as red deer and bison to traditional natur…

Three new toad species skip the tadpole phase and give birth to live toadlets

An international team of researchers have identified three new species of enchanting, pustular, tree-dwelling toads from Africa. Their solution for having offspring away from water? Skipping the tadpole phase altogether…

Introducing new cats to multi-cat households

Cohabiting domestic cats may experience stress if there are conflicts between them.

Responding to questions on treatment for post-operative pain

Ethical question of the month - August 2025 You are a companion animal practitioner who is performing an intake examination on a senior dog. You work in a small community, and the owner is moving the animal to your care…

Symposium Recap: Vector-borne Diseases in a Changing World

Local and international researchers and professionals gathered in the historic Festauditorium at the University of Copenhagen for an international symposium on the challenges and opportunities related to vector-borne…

Where is my tree? Virtue Ethics as a Pathway to Reduce Loss of Place and Animal Suffering

Paper written by Sabrina Brando, Mickey Gjerris. Journal of Applied Animal Ethics Research, published 24 October 2025

Lift Maintenance at ACF – Autumn 2025

The lifts in Section 10 and Section 16 at the Animal Core Facility will undergo maintenance in the coming months. Noise disturbances are expected, and sensitive experiments should be avoided.

Award-winning Professor: “I’ve always wanted to leave my mark on the field”

For 40 years, Professor Henrik Elvang Jensen has shaped veterinary pathology internationally – developing new diagnostic methods, changing clinical practices, and creating guidelines now used worldwide.

Scientists shed new light on mysterious deaths among African elephants

Scientists from Statens Serum Institut and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark have investigated the bacteria that killed 35 elephants in Zimbabwe in 2020.

Price increases from January 2026

A simplified service catalogue and a new pricing structure will take effect in January 2026

Calling a trade-off a trade-off in arguments for cat confinement

The debate around keeping pet cats indoors is often framed as a win‑win for both wildlife and the animals themselves – but that narrative doesn’t hold up.

Researchers revive yoghurt made from... ants

An old traditional recipe for yoghurt made from ants has been recreated by researchers at the University of Copenhagen. In a new study, they show how ants and the bacteria that live on them can transform milk into…

Researchers revive yoghurt made from... ants

An old traditional recipe for yoghurt made from ants has been recreated by researchers at the University of Copenhagen. In a new study, they show how ants and the bacteria that live on them can transform milk into…

Nordfugl October 2025

The Avian Influenza Epidemiology group hosted the annual Nordfugl online seminar on 1 October 2025.

Ethicists' commentary on decision-making in response to vaccination reactions and veterinarians taking leave

Ethical question of the month, July 2025. You are a solo practitioner and have a show horse patient that experienced a severe and ongoing reaction to a routine vaccination.

Stored for 130 years: Bottles reveal evidence of Danish butter production and hygiene practices of the past

Two forgotten bottles in a basement in Frederiksberg containing bacterial cultures from the 1890s have provided researchers at the University of Copenhagen with unique insight into Denmark's butter production history.…

The development of a brief version of the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale

The aim of this paper is to develop a brief version of an existing human-animal attachment scale, namely the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS)

Ethicists' commentary on dilemma of treating a horse that has already been treated

Ethical question of the month, June 2025 You are the only practitioner on the backstretch of a racecourse. One of your long-time patients has just been claimed (change of ownership and trainer) and the new trainer, on…

Increased use of caesarean sections in pedigree dogs

Study based on data from the Danish Kennel Club showing the prevalence of caesarean section increased from 12.7 to 15.5 % between 2013 and 2022.

Cannabidiol treatment for refractory idiopathic epilepsy in dogs

Systematic literature review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a supplementary treatment for refractory idiopathic epilepsy in dogs.

Ethicists' commentary on drug use in barrel racing

Ethical question of the month, May 2025 The sport of Barrel racing horses is increasingly popular. You have heard several complaints from both competitors and non-competitors about the completely unregulated use of…

Preserving predation

New journal article out July 2025: 'Preserving predation' by Jordan O Hampton, Thomas M Newsome Amy Dickman and Peter Sandøe.