How many USDA-regulated animals were used in 2024?

• A. 775,297
• B. 1,000,000
• C. 500,000
• D. 200,000

Answer: (A)

USDA-regulated animals are those covered by the Animal Welfare Act and reported to USDA, meaning warm-blooded vertebrates used in research, teaching, testing, or exhibition at facilities regulated by the USDA. This count excludes birds, rats, and mice, as well as farm animals used for food or fiber, because they are not covered by the Act.

The 2024 figure of 775,297 is the official annual tally published by USDA APHIS for animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act. It reflects only the AWA-covered species and thus provides the precise regulatory count for that year.

The other numbers aren’t the official USDA tally for AWA-regulated animals in 2024; they either would include non-regulated species (like birds, rats, and mice) or are broad estimates rather than the exact regulatory figure.