Animal experimentation: are we allowed to do that? In this thematic portal, researchers of the Swiss Laboratory Animal Science Association give answers to frequently asked questions.

Image: kwanchaift, stock.adobe.com

What kinds of animal species are used for animal experimentation?

Laboratory mice
Image: Universität Zürich

More than 60 per cent of all laboratory animals in Switzerland are mice. Rats, birds, and fish are used to a lesser extent. Animal species such as cattle, sheep, dogs, hamsters, wild animals, and monkeys are rarely used. Current figures are published annually by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office.

Tierarten Versuche
Tierarten VersucheImage: SGV/SAVIR