The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a proposal to significantly reduce its use of animal testing for assessing the toxicity of chemicals. This shift is part of a broader effort to develop more humane and advanced testing methods. While the agency emphasized its commitment to scientific integrity and animal welfare, some researchers have voiced concerns that the transition may affect the reliability of safety assessments for certain chemicals.
In response to the planned reduction in animal testing, the EPA has initiated a program to rehome the approximately 500 rats and zebra fish currently housed in its facilities. These animals, which are often used in toxicology studies, will be made available for adoption by individuals and research institutions. The agency stated that the rehoming effort aims to ensure the well-being of the animals while also supporting continued scientific research through alternative methods.
Animal welfare advocates have welcomed the news, calling it a significant step toward more ethical research practices. Meanwhile, some scientists have raised questions about how the agency will maintain the quality of its research without the use of live animals. The EPA is working with various organizations to develop and implement new testing protocols that may include in vitro models and computational simulations to replace animal testing wherever possible.