News about Animals

The Genomic Organization of Superorganismal Ant Colonies

Worker ants increase their reproductive success by caring for their siblings instead of producing their own offspring. A new international study, initiated and co-directed by researchers at the University of Copenhagen…

Veterinarians to comment on veterinary issues outside their area of expertise

Ethical question of the month, March 2025 Is it ethical for veterinarians to use their credentials to act as an “expert” despite having limited or no knowledge of the issues in another aspect of veterinary medicine? Thi…

Ox-eye daisy, bellis and yarrow: Flower strips with at least two sown species provide 70 percent more natural enemies of pests

Planting flower strips in a field with at least two species can increase the number of natural enemies of pests by 70 percent. The more flower species, the better the effect, according to a new meta-analysis from the…

Annual bird trip to South Zealand

In late April 2025, the Avian Influenza Epidemiology Group went on a trip to South Zealand to improve our understanding of the real world.

Saving the Asian Unicorn – If It Still Exists

The saola, an antelope-like bovine, is one of the world’s rarest and most endangered mammals. In fact, it hasn’t been observed in over 10 years. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with…

Saving the Asian Unicorn – If It Still Exists

The saola, an antelope-like bovine, is one of the world’s rarest and most endangered mammals. In fact, it hasn’t been observed in over 10 years. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with…

Ethicists’ commentary on Euthanasia on demand

Ethical question of the month, February 2025 You are a mixed-animal practitioner and are facing a recurring problem. When the initial appointment request is to euthanize an old failing animal or a very sick animal, you…

Ethicists’ commentary on increasing corporatization in veterinary practices

Ethical question of the month, January 2025 You are a seasoned veterinarian employed by a companion animal practice. The practice has a reputation of providing excellent care at a reasonable cost. The practice owner is…

Interdisciplinary research team wins NNF award for their teaching

Professor Liza Rosenbaum Nielsen and Associate Professor Nathalia Brichet from the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences have been awarded the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Prize for Interdisciplinary Educators for…

Major bird study could help us fight the next pandemic

New study uncovers the intricate factors that drive the evolution of genomes.

Major bird study could help us fight the next pandemic

New study uncovers the intricate factors that drive the evolution of genomes.

Major bird study could help us fight the next pandemic

New study uncovers the intricate factors that drive the evolution of genomes.

Behavioral genetic analysis on dogs

The aim of this study is to describe personality traits in eight dog breeds using the Behaviour and Personality Description in Dogs (BPH) test, and subsequently to assess their heritability.

How much do people really care about animal welfare?

Professor Peter Sandøe participated in the Animal Welfare Seminar 2025 - 'Animal ethics and animal welfare - values informing outcomes' organized by RSPCA Australia. Peter gave a talk on people's attitudes to animals an…

Ethicists' commentary on balancing religious tolerance and animal welfare

Ethical question of the month, December 2024 As a veterinarian contemplating a position at a federal meat processing plant, I am extremely uncomfortable with the recent federal injunction to forgo the requirement to…

Changes in management of owned cats in the countryside

This study investigates changes in the management of owned domestic cats (Felis catus) in a rural area of Denmark, at two points in time separated by 24 years.

Ethicists' commentary on disagreements in course of treatment

Ethical question of the month, November 2024 You and a colleague are disagreeing on a policy matter in your practice regarding a senior horse treatment. Many senior horses suffer from a pituitary disorder, pituitary par…

A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare

The paper presents a proposed definition of positive animal welfare: ‘PAW can be defined as the animal flourishing through the experience of predominantly positive mental states and the development of competence and…

A new future for dog breeding

This paper gives an overview of recent trends in companion dog breeding and discuss to what extent they will serve to promote healthy dogs that function well in their various roles in today’s world.

Chronic enteropathy in dogs affects the quality of life in both dogs and their owners

This paper examines the Quality of Life (QoL) of dogs with chronic enteropathy and how their owners and veterinarians assess it.

Behavioural and physiological indicators of hoof trimming stress

Field study in juvenile stabel- and forestborn Konik Polski horses showing that restraint may affect equine behavioural and cardic stress indicators.

Ethicists' commentary on appropriate professional actions for a complex situation

Ethical question of the month, October 2024 You are a recent graduate working in a resort town with no overnight emergency hospital. A client on vacation in a motor home brings in a small dog that is having difficulty…

Newsletter December 2024

This newsletter includes important information on the below mentioned topics. We encourage everyone to review the relevant sections carefully, as some of these updates may have an impact on daily activities. New…

Ethicists’ commentary on dangerous dog assessments

Ethical question of the month, September 2024 You are a veterinarian hired in your region as an authority to assess dangerous dogs. The counties you work with have differing regulations regarding dogs that are deemed to…