Original scientific What happened to laboratory animals during COVID-19 lockdown? India answers. A survey from India on Laboratory animal care during COVID 19 lockdown

Publishing the practical problems that occurred during a local or global disaster can help to plan improved future logistic and personnel management, and this can ultimately result in better welfare of laboratory animals. COVID-19 necessitated euthanasia of research animals, and partial or complete closure of laboratory animal facilities, throughout the world. In an attempt to find out the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on laboratory animals in India, a survey was conducted based on the voluntary participation of institutions from different regions of the country. A total of 56 facilities participated from 14 states and union territories. From their responses, 95% of the facilities continued their operations during lockdown. Among these facilities, 13% were completely operational. 63% had no interruption in receiving essential supplies and 16% operated with complete man-power. 20% paused breeding completely and 54% partially. In spite of the strict lockdown, 91% of the institutes were able to provide veterinary care. 60% of the institutions conducted online institutional animal ethical committee meetings indicative of continuing research activities. Many facilities reported animal morbidity (64%) and mortality (9%). To optimize resources 41% reported euthanasia of animals. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association of lockdown with increased animal morbidity, euthanasia and reduced animal breeding. In conclusion, even though lockdown had created a partial disruption of activities with some reduction in animal health and welfare, operations and research continued at most of the facilities surveyed in India.