News about Animals

Myggetal.dk relaunched with a new design and updated vector-surveillance data

The University of Copenhagen’s Vector Group has relaunched Myggetal.dk, the public platform presenting results from the Danish surveillance of mosquitoes, biting midges and ticks. The redesigned website makes it easier…

Narwhals help researchers uncover unique data from the deepest East Greenland fjords

For the first time, researchers have used data from narwhals to document how Atlantic water reaches deep into fjords along Greenland’s east coast.

Inaugural lecture of Professor Carsten Kirkeby

On 14 August 2026, Carsten Kirkeby gave his inaugural lecture for his professorship in ecological disease modelling. Afterwards, a reception was held in the garden of the veterinary school, where colleagues from near an…

Keeping the Lab Alive: The hidden work behind reliable insect bioassays

Explainer by PhD fellow Martina Nardelli.

Annual bird trip to Fyn and Sprogø

In late May 2026, the annual Avian Influenza Epidemiology Group bird trip went to the island of Fyn (Funen) to learn about and experience pheasant rearing in Denmark.

The social competences of companion cats

A representative study of the welfare of cats in single versus multi-cat households.

Research visit at University of Sydney

Carsten Kirkeby visited the Disease Ecology Lab at the University of Sydney for two weeks in April-May 2026, where Sandra Carapeto is currently on an external research stay. During the visit, a meeting with the…

Dog training choices reflect owners’ ethical views on animals

A new study from the University of Copenhagen explores how dog owners’ ethical views on animals are reflected in the training methods they use.

Dealing with annoying cats

The study investigates the effect of enrichment in the form of (i) non-food-related object play and (ii) food puzzles on owner-directed attention-seeking behaviour among companion cats with no or limited outdoor access.

Investigating dog and cat owners’ uptake of pet health insurance and spending on veterinary treatment

This study investigates the reasons for the uptake of insurance among dog and cat owners in different income groups in Austria, Denmark and the UK.

Elephant genomes reveal a past of continental connectivity and a future of increasing isolation

In the largest genomic mapping of Africa's elephants, an international team of researchers shows that elephant history is defined by the ability to move across large distances and exchange genes throughout the African…

Fish on antidepressants: Researchers develop new weapon against toxic substances in wastewater

Toxic chemicals from pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants pass through wastewater treatment systems every day and enter the aquatic environment. For the first time, a new research project from the University of…

Ethicists’ commentary on how veterinarians should react to clients with symbols that promote hatred

Ethical question of the month, January 2026 As a client is leaving the practice with their pet, the veterinarian notices the client has a visible swastika tattoo in a location that could have been easily covered. The…

International Dairy Federation conference

The International Dairy Federation (IDF) conference was held in Stockholm, Sweden, from 11th to 13th of March with pre-courses the 10th of March.

Bird Flu Risk to Danish Cattle – New Tool Can Warn Farmers Before Infection Spreads

Bird flu can infect both cows and humans. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a tool that can predict where and when the risk of infection is highest.

Feline obesity

Feline obesity is associated with stronger owner attachment, while indoor confinement increases risk of obesity at an early age in domestic shorthaired cats.

Past intensive whaling threatens the future of bowhead whales

Commercial whaling has left the bowhead whale vulnerable for many generations to come.

Allometry of litter size in dog breeds

This study investigates the impact of breed body weight, brachycephaly and chondrodysplasia on litter size.

Ethicists’ commentary on ethical responsibility of veterinarians

Ethical question of the month, December 2025 You are a solo practitioner working in an outlying community who primarily services companion animals. You have skills and interest in equine work and have been approached by…

How horses whinny: Whistling while singing

A horse’s whinny is an unusually distinctive mix of sounds including both high and low frequencies. Researchers from Department of Biology demonstrate how horses produce high-frequency sounds that defy their large size…

Sex change in the aquarium: Three cuckoo wrasse fish are undergoing a spectacular transformation

There were wide eyes and professional excitement among the Øresund Aquarium's animal keepers and marine biologists when they recently looked into one of the aquarium's tanks.

Sex change in the aquarium: Three cuckoo wrasse fish are undergoing a spectacular transformation

There were wide eyes and professional excitement among the Øresund Aquarium's animal keepers and marine biologists when they recently looked into one of the aquarium's tanks.

Ethicists' commentary on providing advice on risks to human health

Ethical question of the month, November 2025 You have a canine patient with recurrent episodes of diarrhea. When taking the patient history, you learn that the owner feeds the dog an exclusively raw food diet. You also…

Dog Owners’ Use of Training Methods

This study provides new insight into “ethical” factors that may influence training method choice.