Disease outbreaks in animal research colonies cause significant welfare harms. Effective biosecurity and health monitoring are essential to protect animals and research integrity.
Disease outbreaks in laboratory animal colonies cause welfare harms ranging from subclinical discomfort to severe illness and death. Animals affected by respiratory infections, intestinal parasites, or bacterial disease may suffer for extended periods before clinical signs are detected. Stressed or immunocompromised animals are more vulnerable, creating a feedback cycle of welfare harm. Beyond direct suffering, disease-associated physiological changes can invalidate research results, meaning animals suffered without scientific benefit — a core ethical concern. Robust biosecurity measures including barrier housing, regular health screening, and rapid response protocols both protect animal welfare and improve scientific outcomes. The 3Rs principle of Refinement includes minimising disease-associated suffering through excellent husbandry.