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University researchers used 66 monkeys

6:28pm Tuesday 5th May 2009 in


SIXTY-SIX monkeys were used in research at Oxford University last year.

The university today released figures showing that it held 86 macaque monkeys and used 66 in research.

It had turned down a request for the information under the Freedom of Information Act by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection almost two years ago – but was ordered to release the statistics by Information Commissioner Richard Thomas.

The university said the monkeys were used in research into brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s because their brains were closer to human brains than mice or rats. Some were also used in studies to develop vaccinations for HIV and other major infections. The university claimed they accounted for under one per cent of the animals housed at its Biomedical Sciences Laboratory and were only used when no other species could deliver the research answer.

Comments(12)

old zimmer says...
6:41pm Tue 5 May 09

Congratulations to OX UNI for their transparency on testing. But a gold star for the fact that they are striving to find cures for some of our most deadly ailments and trying to save millions of lives. Keep up the good work

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oxman says...
6:45pm Tue 5 May 09

They were going to use city bankers but it turned out that the monkeys had more developed brains.

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DanOxford says...
7:13pm Tue 5 May 09

If successful, the vital research into why monkeys do not jump off bridges, go on 'drinking society' pub crawls or cover each other in egg, flour and fish guts could have widespread uses throughout the University and be of wider benefit to all of Oxford's residents.

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BigAlBiker says...
7:55pm Tue 5 May 09

Using animals bred for such purposes is fine and gives vital information into possible cures for us humans, long gone are the days when people nicked animals from the streets, there accomoadation looks like the Randolf and what with three square meals a day there better off than some of us, keep the good work up scientists.

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Foxy Lady says...
7:48am Wed 6 May 09

Such a shame we are so divided over this - I cannot agree with any testing on animals - even though I may go on to develop an illness etc, I agree with the top scientists who have called to an end of animal testing who work in this field but are very aware we can use other methods.

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Niko Bellic says...
8:32am Wed 6 May 09

Foxy... we're not divided, as you can clearly see by the comments already left.

Those who share your views are in the vocal minority, and to be perfectly honest, are all idiots

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LadyPenelope says...
9:02am Wed 6 May 09

Foxy Lady wrote:
Such a shame we are so divided over this - I cannot agree with any testing on animals - even though I may go on to develop an illness etc, I agree with the top scientists who have called to an end of animal testing who work in this field but are very aware we can use other methods.
So you've never taken any drugs in your entire life? Paracetomal? Contraceptive pill?

Likewise, most shampoos, hairdyes, moisturisers etc... were either tested on animals, or used the research from other companies that tested chemicals on animals.

I disagree with cosmetics being tested on animals, but I think it's acceptable for medical research.


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Kidlington Dave says...
9:36am Wed 6 May 09

Paracetomol was never tested fully on animals. Had it been, it would probably never have reached the marke since it is poisonous to many non-human creatures.

I'm not anti- all animal testing, that would be hypocritical since I and my kids have doubtless benefitted from such tests, but it's the way animal testing is vaunted as `the only way' that gets me. It does produce benefits but it also often shows up just how different animals and humans can be. Thalidomide is the obvious example but many more drugs have been withdrawn after proving innefective or dangerous to humans.

More funding into alternative forms of research is definitely needed.

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Kevin_Elliott says...
11:23am Wed 6 May 09

I strongly support properly licenced animal research.

While we should be using other methods as much as possible, there are some areas where only animal testing can do the job.

Computers and test tubes don't have circulation, or nervous systems. They don't breathe or have a pulse. Humans and animals do, which is why animal research must remain legal.

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Sophia says...
1:24pm Wed 6 May 09

Excellent that this good work has continued, despite the animal terrorists.

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BigAlBiker says...
2:33pm Wed 6 May 09

One of the more prominant terrorists is thankfully languishing in prison for the next ten years, long live the research which benefits us all.

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oxfordmedic says...
8:29pm Sun 10 May 09

DanOxford - the amount of student bashing that goes on within the comment pages of this website is pathetic. It seems very bitter people like yourself forget how much money the university brings into this city, not only directly but also through tourism and attracting investment in other industries. In fact, this city would not exist as it does if it were not for the university - and it was certainly here before you were - so if you don't like it, move elsewhere or take that giant chip off your shoulder.

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