3Rs: Replacing, reducing, refining animal experimentation
Animal experiments are only authorised if there are no suitable alternative methods. The number of animals and the suffering caused must be kept to a minimum. The FSVO works to ensure that animals are optimally protected in animal experiments.
Revision of the technical information on severity degrees (version 1.04) in the area of animal experimentation
Under the Animal Experimentation Ordinance, the pain, distress and suffering (‘strain’) caused by interventions and procedures or genetically-modified changes, is classified into four severity degrees.
Importance of the 3R principles
In Switzerland, researchers are only allowed to conduct animal experiments if there are no suitable alternatives. Developing and deploying alternative methods is therefore crucial. The 3R principles (replace, reduce, refine) are about replacing animal experiments, reducing the number of animals used, and improving or refining methods and husbandry conditions to minimise the harms (pains, suffering or distress) caused to animals.
National research programme ‘Advancing 3R – Animals, research and society’ (NRP 79)
The programme looks at how the number of laboratory animals can be minimised and how harms can be reduced. It also examines scientific and societal issues relating to animal experimentation. The programme launched in May 2022 and runs for five years.
International cooperation
The FSVO works with the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW). They are jointly organising international symposia on the humane killing of animals up until 2027. One of the focus areas is alternatives to the killing of laboratory animals using carbon dioxide.
Exchanging with international experts is intended to help identify and promote humane killing methods for various species. New insights are incorporated in the FSVO’s technical information. The FSVO implements these in collaboration with the cantonal enforcement authorities.
3R Competence Centre
Rising animal numbers in research call for long-term measures. This is why the Swiss 3R Competence Centre was set up. The federal government works with universities and the pharmaceutical industry to strengthen implementation of the 3R principles.