The need to submit each batch of every veterinary vaccine to a target animal safety test is questioned. It is proposed that a risk/benefit analysis should be conducted, on a product by product basis, to determine whether the continued application of this test to each batch of a product is beneficial and justified. For an established product, the analysis should consider: the number of batches manufactured; the length of time for which the product has been manufactured; the testing experience and the incidence of reported adverse reactions; the level of GMP compliance and the standard of QA practised by the manufacturer; the method and conditions of manufacture; the use of animals for other batch tests; the recommendations for the use of the product. For a newly developed product the analysis should take into account: the safety data generated during development; the inherent risks in the product and its manufacture; the use of the other animal tests. It is suggested that the continued use of the test could be reduced on a phased basis e.g. after 10 consecutive satisfactory tests the frequency could be reduced by limiting it to the first batch of each production campaign or to every n th batch. Furthermore, the possibility of discontinuing the test altogether, for the product in question, could be considered. A return to full testing frequency would be required in the event of: a test failure; a batch related adverse reaction; introduction of a new seed; a change of manufacturer; a process of modification; a specification amendment; or an interruption of batch continuity. When a manufacturer has established consistency of production and testing, an alternative approach to the need for batch testing, with a view to avoiding or minimising the use of animals, is both desirable and possible.