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University researchers used 66 monkeys (From Oxford Mail)
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University researchers used 66 monkeys
6:28pm Tuesday 5th May 2009
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.
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Your Say YourOxford
oxman, Oxford says...
6:45pm Tue 5 May 09
DanOxford, Oxford says...
7:13pm Tue 5 May 09
BigAlBiker, Eynsham says...
7:55pm Tue 5 May 09
Foxy Lady, Oxford says...
7:48am Wed 6 May 09
Niko Bellic, Liberty City says...
8:32am Wed 6 May 09
Those who share your views are in the vocal minority, and to be perfectly honest, are all idiots
LadyPenelope, Oxford says...
9:02am Wed 6 May 09
Foxy Lady wrote:So you've never taken any drugs in your entire life? Paracetomal? Contraceptive pill?
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.
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.
Kidlington Dave, Kidlington says...
9:36am Wed 6 May 09
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.
Kevin_Elliott, Oxford says...
11:23am Wed 6 May 09
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.
Sophia, Oxford says...
1:24pm Wed 6 May 09
BigAlBiker, Eynsham says...
2:33pm Wed 6 May 09
oxfordmedic, Oxford says...
8:29pm Sun 10 May 09
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old zimmer, says...
6:41pm Tue 5 May 09