What Happened to the Laboratory Animals during COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown? India Answers

A survey from India on Laboratory animal care during COVID 19 lockdown

Abstract

Publishing the shortfalls that occurred during a calamity can help to plan and anticipate logistic and personnel management in a better way in the future, which can ultimately result in better welfare of laboratory animals. COVID-19 imposed euthanasia of research animals and partial or complete closure of laboratory animal facilities across the world recently. In an attempt to find out the impact on laboratory animals, a survey was conducted ensuring the voluntary participation of institutions from different regions of India. A total of 56 facilities participated from 14 states and union territories. From their responses 94.64% of the facilities operated either fully or partly with 12.5% operating completely. 62.5% had no interruption in receiving essential supplies and 16.1% operated with complete manpower. 19.64% paused breeding completely and 53.57% partially. Besides strict lockdown, 95.83% of the institutes were able to provide veterinary care. 58.93% of the institutions conducted online IAEC meetings indicative of continuing research activities. Many facilities reported morbidities (64.29%) and mortality (8.93%). To optimize resources 41% reported euthanasia of animals.  Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between lockdown associated reduced manpower and impaired essential supplies with these observed eventualities. In conclusion, even though the lockdown had created a partial disruption of activities, operations, and research went on in the majority of the facilities in India.