Welfare of Animals Used in Genetic Research

Genetic research uses millions of animals annually — primarily mice — to investigate gene function, disease mechanisms, and potential therapies, with significant welfare implications.

Key Facts

Over 100 million mice and rats are used in genetic research globally each year
Genetically modified animals may carry painful conditions as part of their genetic modification
Severity classification of genetic model suffering is required in the EU under Directive 2010/63
Humanized mouse models require procedures including bone marrow transplants and immune reconditioning
CRISPR gene editing has increased the speed and scale of animal genetic model creation

Welfare Considerations

Genetic research animal welfare concerns go beyond the procedures themselves: many genetically modified models are created specifically to develop disease conditions, meaning their welfare is compromised by design. The animal experiences the condition continuously, not just during experiments. EU severity classification — mild, moderate, severe, non-recovery — requires institutions to justify severe-severity genetic models and implement colony-level welfare monitoring.

What You Can Do

Support funding for alternative genetic research methods that reduce animal use
Advocate for transparent reporting of genetic animal model severity by research institutions
Donate to NC3Rs research on alternatives to genetically modified animal models
Engage with institutional animal care committees about severity classification compliance