shot-button
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi
Home > News > World News > Article > Over 600000 animals used in experiments in Switzerland Report

Over 600,000 animals used in experiments in Switzerland: Report

Updated on: 09 July,2015 08:42 AM IST  | 
IANS |

The Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) reported on Wednesday that 606,505 animals were used for experimental purposes in Switzerland in 2014

Over 600,000 animals used in experiments in Switzerland: Report

Geneva: The Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) reported on Wednesday that 606,505 animals were used for experimental purposes in Switzerland in 2014.


Representing a 2.8 percent increase compared to 2013, the animals used included rodents (78.8 percent), as well as birds, pets, livestock, rabbits, amphibians, primates and other mammals, Xinhua reported.


Official categorisation in Switzerland quantifies the amount of harm incurred by animals during experiments through four severity levels (0 to 3), with level 0 being harmless and level 3 severe.


FSVO indicated that 77.4 percent of the animals were used in experiments in which little or no harm was done (level 0 and 1), while 20.6 percent experienced level 2 and two percent level 3.

According to figures, close to half of laboratory animals were used for fundamental research purposes (a 1.8 percent rise compared to 2013), while the number of animals used by Swiss industry registered a 3 percent decline last year.

FSVO recorded the number of genetically modified mice increased by 5.7 percent, and that no laboratory animal was used in tests linked to cosmetics or tobacco products.

Last year also saw a sharp increase in the number of animals used for medical diagnostics purposes, with one experiment using some 3,500 fish to study the effects climate and water-quality have on trout development and health.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK