We are aware that animal research plays a fundamental role in understanding the biological mechanisms involved in disease and in the development of medical treatments.
Without the use of animals, we would not have most of the medicines, antibiotics, vaccines and surgical techniques used in human and veterinary medicine. Nevertheless, animal experimentation must be strictly controlled by mechanisms that guarantee the highest possible welfare of the animals bred and used in our research projects.
In compliance with the regulations required by RD 53/2013 of 8 February 2013, the Animal Experimentation and Welfare Committee (OEBA) of the Institute of Marine Research in Vigo is responsible for the welfare of IIM animals. The composition of the committee is regulated by the same Royal Decree and includes a Veterinary Consultancy service qualified for categories e and f (see below). In addition, the Body has joined the Agreement on Transparency in the Use of Animals in Experimentation, promoted by the Confederation of Scientific Societies of Spain (COSCE), with the collaboration of the European Animal Research Association (EARA), and published on 20 September 2016.
OEBA ensures compliance with this agreement and the monitoring of the welfare and proper use of the centre’s animal resources devoted to experimentation. It also promotes public awareness of the reality of animal experimentation at IIM-CSIC, opening its doors to school visits and other groups.