More than 1 million mice used in Australian research annually, ‘overdue’ study finds — SkimNews
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- Dr Malcolm France compiled the first nationwide count of rodents used in Australian research, finding 1,193,619 mice and 46,961 rats used in 2024, calling it an 'overdue first step' toward full transparency.
- Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching commissioned the pilot study focusing on mice and rats, the most commonly used lab animals in biomedical research.
- Bella Lear said nationwide data is 'absolutely vital' for Australia to demonstrate both the scale of its research and its commitment to animal welfare standards.
- Dr Suzie Fowler emphasized that public trust depends on transparency and accountability, noting mice and rats have complex behavioral needs that aren't always met in research settings.
- Paula Wallace stated that accurate statistics would help organizations like hers identify how many research animals could be rehomed after studies.
Why it matters: Australia’s lack of centralized animal research data has hindered public oversight and international alignment; now, with a clear count of over 1.2 million rodents used annually, policymakers and animal welfare groups have a baseline to push for standardized reporting, improved welfare practices, and rehoming opportunities—directly affecting research institutions, regulators, and animal advocacy organizations.
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