Last year, 55,473 animals were used for experiments in the Brussels-Capital Region, according to the latest report by Brussels Environment. In 2020, the number was about the same (55,688).
It mostly concerned rodents (98.42%) – mainly mice (91.46%) – followed by birds (1.25%) and farm animals (0.30%). Fifteen fish and two rabbits were also used. The report also shows that no non-human primates, carnivores, equidae (such as horses), reptiles, amphibians or cephalopods (such as squid) were used.
The animals were mainly used for scientific projects on basic research (68.04% of the animals used), with almost 40% of the animals used for oncology studies. This is followed by translational and applied research (15.56%) and research for regulatory use and routine production (13.7%).
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Fundamental research is the part of science that deals with investigating the basic mechanisms of a condition, while conversion-oriented and applied research uses scientific knowledge and methodology to develop practically usable products and methods, explained Brussels Environment.
Brussels Environment also reported that in 2021, more than half of the lab animals used experienced a mild (42.73%) or moderate (29.71%) severity. Over one in five (21.10%) of the laboratory animals experienced severe discomfort, and 6.47% of the animals underwent the full trial under anaesthesia and did not regain consciousness at the end.
The severity of the procedure performed is based on the potential pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm an individual could experience, the report said.
