European experimental animal use declines ever so slightly

Area of Science:

• Animal research
• European Union policy
• Laboratory animal welfare

Background:

• The 2008 report on experimental animal use in the EU shows a slight decrease but still high figures, with around 12 million animals used.
• Only a summary of the data has been published, necessitating a detailed analysis of trends and changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare trends and significant changes in experimental animal use in the EU based on 2008 data.
• To discuss the impact of revised EU directives on animal use figures.
• To identify research and regulatory areas needing monitoring and highlight the importance of the Three Rs initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the latest available EU report on experimental animal use (2008 data).
• Comparison of trends and significant changes in animal usage figures.
• Discussion of the influence of legislative revisions, including Directive 86/609/EEC and the 7th Amendment to the Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC.

Main Results:

• A slight decrease in experimental animal use was observed in the EU for 2008.
• Approximately 12 million animals were still used in European laboratories.
• The report provides a comparative analysis of trends and significant changes, with legislative impacts discussed.

Conclusions:

• Despite a slight decrease, the number of animals used in EU laboratories remains substantial.
• Legislative changes, such as revised EU directives, have influenced animal use figures.
• Continued focus on the Three Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) initiatives is crucial for improving animal welfare in research and regulation.