WRITTEN QUESTION E-0048/02

by Jens Okking (EDD) to the Commission

(24 January 2002)

Subject: Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC)

I have received several letters from citizens in Denmark voicing concern over the Dutch Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), which receives EU support.

The Centre houses 1 500 primates in shocking and disgraceful conditions. Many of the monkeys are totally isolated in steel cages with no opportunity of displaying natural behaviour and in conditions that would not even be offered a monkey in a zoo.

Is the Commission aware of conditions at the Centre and can it explain how the EU gives money to ECVAM (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (to animal experiments)) with one hand and, with the other, provides support for a major centre for experiments on animals?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(4 March 2002)

The Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) in Rijswijk, the Netherlands, is participating in several three-year research projects under the Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (1998-2002). These projects cover research areas such as vaccine and drug development for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis, malaria and hepatitis C. This research requires the use of animals with an immune system similar to humans. Unfortunately, at the moment, no realistic alternatives with similar predictive values exist other than non-human primates.

The Commission is fully aware that the use of non-human primates in research, and in particular great apes, is a sensitive matter, which raises concerns for all citizens. All efforts are therefore made by the Commission to reduce, replace and refine the use of animals in research.

Firstly, in the annex of the Decision No 182/1999/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 1998 concerning the fifth framework programme of the Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998 to 2002)(1), concerning the Quality of Life Programme, it is specified that research involving animals is restricted under this programme with regard to animal experiments and tests on animals, which should, when ever possible, be replaced with in vitro or other alternative methods. An obligation is placed on all applicants, including the BPRC to describe the procedures adopted to respect the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) and to protect the welfare of animals.

Secondly, an ethical review has been implemented systematically under the Quality of Life programme for proposals dealing with sensitive issues such as the use of non-human primates. The ethical review ensures among others that all research involving animals are conducted in accordance with Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes(2). Furthermore, participants in research projects must seek the approval of the relevant national authorising bodies prior to the start of the research activities. The Biomedical Research Primate Centre (BPRC), which is situated in the Union but independent of the Community, has engaged itself contractually to fulfil all national legal and ethical requirements. The BPRC has in July 2001 confirmed to the Commission that it has the permission at local level to conduct biomedical research with non-human primates. It has also confirmed that several improvements have been made, for instance, building of outdoor facilities, which support the social housing of macaques. Plans for rehousing of the chimpanzees' colony of the BPRC is currently under preparation.

Thirdly, the Commission is currently supporting more than 20 research projects aiming at developing in vitro alternatives to animal experiments. Furthermore, the Commission created in 1991 the European Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM). The main task of ECVAM is the validation of alternative methods, including in vitro methods. Such methods can then be made available by the Commission for regulatory purposes.

(1) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999.

(2) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986.