Tuesday, 01 June 2010 12:03

The use of laboratory animals has been questioned, but is considered a necessity. The SIU is a committee that ensures that their rights are respected, although they will end the call. In his flat waiting for the final destination serving science, or so it seems and then ... die. Who defends? Mice, rats and hamsters. Snakes, scorpions, spiders and snails. Rabbits and chickens. Experimental ones for other food.

And the big question: is it justified the use of animals for scientific study?


It is towards the man, he says. In a world with greater alignment to the Biophilia, laboratory animals are not abandoned to their fate. But not survive.

Every month or less, depending on the projects, the Ethics Committee for Animal Experimentation of the University of Antioquia meets in a small room of the University Research Office.


They took seats as representatives of the Metropolitan Area environmental authority, the Humane Society of the ICA and the university. Their mission? Ensure that the animals used in research is truly required and in the right quantity. And they do not suffer more than necessary.

"For me it is very hard, I gloss over using animals, but here decisions are made by consensus and seeks dignity and respect for them," says Anibal Vallejo Rendón, of the Company.


The story goes back years. By legislation, any institution should have animal experiment committee. Before there was no consciousness. For any study using many more animals than necessary. In many cases, was to replicate research conducted elsewhere.

Not today. Although sometimes seen as a hindrance to the Committee, SIU investigators, at least, know they must meet certain requirements. Responses should be attached with a questionnaire of 17 questions on the use of animals, from the investigator who is responsible to what they're doing and how many require.



"The researcher is interested in publishing", says José Ignacio Calle Posada, representative of the corporate arena for the study of tropical pathology. "Magazines are asked to go through the Committee." Colciencias to fund, so require.


The scientists are made to see that the numbers do count.



The law nevertheless is lax, says Anibal Vallejo. It contains many exceptions. This is not to punish, is some awareness, he adds.

The Committee has been a tool to reduce animal abuse, at least in the research groups. Until recently, analyzing requests from other institutions, but not anymore. Could not cope and the law states that everyone should have theirs.



Animals, accurate Juan Gonzalo Restrepo Salazar, a member of the Centre for Medical Research, should be of quality. You can not use any, including the genetic quality for the outcome of the studies.


So some are imported.



Back seem to have been the days when animals were bought on the street for student work. Or remembered experiments with frogs, a real butcher in the classroom. Now ask students if a teacher who report animal abuse.

What is the fate of those used in the laboratory? If during the procedure is noted that suffer, be sacrificed.

Is this also the fate of everyone else. End point, as they call it. Vivo is not allowed for further investigation. Meanwhile, in the animal facility the animals receive care. Await their fate. It is not easy handling. The light, noise, lack of freedom can be stressful, but science, it considers the needs.

"The investigation's still need for a long time until there are other methods that replace," said Juan Gonzalo Restrepo.

It's about making wise use, as ethical as possible. Full stop.