Machines replace animals in vaccine tests

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- A U.S. animal rights group says its push for changes in animal testing has resulted in adoption of more modern, humane methods of vaccine testing.

The organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said it had been urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Veterinary Biologics to adopt non-animal methods to test the potency of each batch of a vaccine.

PETA officials said the center announced three of the tests involving pigs have been replaced with modern non-animal methods.

PETA said center officials have also announced they are moving to convert antibody production from an intensely painful method in mice to a humane and reliable system based on cell cultures.

"By mandating modern, effective, and humane testing methods, the USDA will not only reduce the number of animals who are harmed and killed in tests, but also improve vaccine testing," Jessica Sandler, director of PETA's Regulatory Testing Division, said. "The USDA is on the right track, and we look forward to a productive partnership to further replace the use of animals."