Animal research numbers released

Notification of the numbers of animals used in research, testing and teaching was released today, in the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) Annual Report.

After several below-average years, the overall number of animals manipulated has increased from last year to 318,489, but still remains below 2000 and 2003 totals. Such year on year fluctuation can in part be attributed to a three year reporting cycle.

Figures show that 87.1 percent of animals used were classified as experiencing ‘no’ or ‘little’ suffering. Just over five per cent – nearly all rodents – were in the ‘severe’ or ‘very severe’ grading. Almost all of the animals in this category were used for testing the safety and efficacy of animal health products to meet regulatory requirements. Other uses were for medical research studying arthritis, wound healing and for public health testing for algal bloom-induced marine biotoxins.

The principal purposes of manipulation in 2006 were: animal husbandry - largely investigating lameness in the broiler industry; basic biological research – involving large studies of traits in stud breeding stock; and veterinary research. Other uses include medical research and teaching, largely attributable to the teaching of artificial insemination in cattle.

In all projects that are judged to involve severe or very severe suffering, ameliorative action is taken, including a high level of veterinary care, where practical, and pain relief.

Chairperson, John Martin, said that in NAEAC’s experience, in all projects associated with moderate, severe or very severe suffering all possible steps are taken to reduce or improve the impact on animals. Steps include a high level of veterinary care, pre- and post-operative pain relief and removal from the study or euthanasia once the research objective is achieved.

“It is important to remember that the treatment and cure for many diseases in the world rely on animal research. And research is not just about developing new drugs for humans – many of the drugs tested on animals are being developed for animals.”

“All research, testing or teaching involving live animals in New Zealand must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and must be approved by an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC),” Mr Martin said.

“The Act requires every code-holder to establish and maintain an AEC, to which NAEAC provides information and advice.”

AECs are an important part of the approval process set by the Act to ensure that the use of animals in research, testing and teaching is carried out in accordance with the Act and the principles of the ‘Three Rs’.

An AEC must include at least three independent members: a veterinarian, a person nominated by an approved animal welfare organisation, and a person nominated by a local authority. There is also a statutory requirement for both AECs and code-holders to be independently reviewed.

Through its strategic planning, NAEAC has continued to promote the concepts of humane science and continues to pursue improvements by encouraging alternative non-animal testing when possible. This is supported by NAEAC’s promotion of the ‘Three Rs’, which encourage:

• replacement of live and conscious animals in experiments with unconscious or non-living alternatives at every opportunity; 

• reduction in numbers to the minimum; and 

• refinement of experimental techniques so as to minimise or eliminate any suffering involved.

This is the seventh Annual Report since the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) became a statutory committee in 2000. A copy of the report is available at 

http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/animal-welfare/naeac/annual-report/naeac-ar-06.pdf