EC test restriction could worsen animal welfare

The BioIndustry Association has expressed "disappointment" with the revised European Directive 86/609 on the use of animals in scientific procedures (Animal Testing Directive) adopted by the College of European Commissioners in Brussels.

Aisling Burnand, the BIA's chief executive said: "one would expect that the proposed Directive would take into account the most up to date scientific and ethical practices, however, this does not seem to be the case." She added that "the research community will feel that their core concerns have not been respected and indeed in some areas it could even have a negative impact on animal welfare."

The BIA has particular concerns over several aspects of the directive, including: "unnecessary regulatory burdens" imposed on scientists that "do nothing for - and in some cases worsen - animal welfare;" and short- and long-term effects of the proposed Directive on the ability of scientists in both industry and academia to undertake essential research that could lead to substantial benefits for human health.