We call for guidance to be given to researchers and that vital laboratory inspections continue
We call on US authorities to guarantee care and security for the millions of animals in US laboratories facing an uncertain future during the current pandemic.
With reports of animals being killed because research is unable to continue, we are concerned about reduced protection for animals in US laboratories while staff are self-isolating, sick, working from home or on fewer hours.
We have contacted the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ask if laboratory inspectors will continue to monitor the welfare of animals during the pandemic and if guidance is being given to laboratories to prevent reduced care for animals at this time.
Monica Engebretson, our Head of North American Campaigns, says: “We are concerned about the wellbeing of animals in laboratories during this difficult time. It’s important we help those who can’t protect themselves, and that includes the millions of animals used in research. We want a commitment that animals in laboratories are not being overlooked and that everything possible is being done to ensure their care and safety.”
Last month we appealed to medical researchers to look at the need for animal testing in the search for a coronavirus vaccine following news of COVID-19 vaccine trials on human volunteers in the US after only minimal animal tests.