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. Severity degree 0 means that the animal don’t experience distress or suffering. Severity degree 3 means severe strain (pain, distress and suffering). The FSVO is revising the technical information on severity degrees. In the spring of 2025, it surveyed the cantonal agencies for animal experimentation and the members of the Swiss 3R Competence Centre (3RCC) about this. A clear majority of respondents were in favour of a revision. The focus is on improving animal experiments in accordance with the 3R principle of refinement, and a possible updating of the details in the technical information. A group of experts appointed by the FSVO is overseeing the process. At a later point in time, the FSVO will also involve specific interest groups in workshops and consulting other interested parties in a consultation.