University of Graz aims to reduce animal testing

The University of Graz aims to reduce animal testing while continuing research into diseases including type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, ORF reports.

The university says animal studies remain necessary for some complex physiological processes, despite the use of alternatives such as yeast studies, in vitro methods and computer simulations. These methods can cost less and avoid using animals.

The university says it keeps about 3,000 mice, 80 rats and 700 fish for research, as well as around 25 larger animals, mainly sheep and pigs. It says it uses no more animals than necessary, follows strict ethical standards and runs a rehoming programme for animals that have not been genetically modified.

Its long-term goal is to limit animal testing to the absolute minimum through the continued development and use of alternative research methods.