US Chimp Unemployment to Surge

Invasive scientific research on chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) appears to be on the verge of completely stopping in the United States. It comes as a result of a new rule introduced by the US Fish and Wildlife Service requiring all projects to apply for a new license. In this context, invasive research is defined as any that would harm, stress, harass or change the behaviour of an animal and would require a new permit. Even something as innocuous as drawing blood or taking a hair sample would need the new permit. And no one has applied for one. Not a single facility in the US has applied to continue with their research projects. This means that all work will have to have ceased by the September 14th deadline forcing chimpanzees across the country to down their rudimentary tools.

Public opinion in the US has been steadily but strongly turning against the concept of primate research in recent years and it would appear that none of the labs want to stick their neck out and risk the wrath of the populous. Behavioural research, which basically just involves watching the chimps, can continue.

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this. Whilst I'm very against the unnecessary suffering of any animal I think there are situations where it is necessary that they suffer. Put in slightly less jarring language, I am in favour of animal research when it is appropriate and properly managed. In the UK there is a law that requires anyone planning an animal experiment to apply the three Rs when doing so; wherever necessary they must Replace the use of animals; Reduce the number of animals; and Refine procedures to limit suffering. I'm very much in favour of these guiding principals.

My concern would be in the potential limits now placed on certain types of research. How much will this hold back progress? Will there be a commensurate increase in research in other animals to make up for the reprieve of the chimps? Perhaps more macaques will now be studied and the overall amount of suffering will remain the same?  I certainly don't know the answers but I will be watching developments in the US with interest.