The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now allows the adoption of laboratory animals that are no longer the subject of research. This is great news for animal rights activists.
Several million animals are used each year in the world to test molecules. Beyond the ethical questions they raise, these tests have revolutionized medical research. They have made it possible to study the effects of certain drugs or vaccines ahead of the first clinical trials.
Researchers generally rely on animal models to understand, for example, how quickly a treatment is absorbed or how quickly its effects wear off and disappear. These tests also make it possible to record any toxic side effects in the body. And again, they can gauge how quickly these effects wear off.
Until now in the United States, once the experiments were conducted and analyzed, the subjects were euthanized , even if they were still in good health. It is a tragic end for all these animals who will have finally spent their entire lives serving as guinea pigs. However, the situation is changing.
Recently, researchers have indeed developed a method for testing neurotoxins without the need to euthanize animals. Some scientists are also trying to spare these animals by developing ways to replace them with virtual subjects.
Last November, the FDA also took responsibility by authorizing the adoption of former laboratory guinea pigs . The agency did not immediately communicate on the subject, the news had been passed over in silence. She has finally made things official.
This includes dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and some farm animals. All must also still be in good health.
The FDA thus joins the National Institutes of Health which adopted a similar policy in August last year and the Department of Veteran Affairs which has implemented a policy encouraging the adoption of search dogs two years ago. Several states also have laws encouraging the adoption of certain laboratory animals. However, to date there were no national requirements.
“There is no reason why regulated research animals suitable for adoption or retirement should be killed by our federal agencies “said Maine Senator Susan Collins, who last year introduced legislation to protect animals from lab testing. “I am pleased that the FDA has joined the NIH and DVA in promulgating a laboratory animal retirement policy “.
It is also recalled that a European directive from 2010 authorizes "animals used or intended to be used in procedures to be placed or released in an appropriate habitat or species-appropriate husbandry system ". Unfortunately, for lack of reception capacity, many do not find takers. To find out more, do not hesitate to inquire here.
Related articles:
