FAQ about covid-19 and animals used for scientific purposes

FAQ about covid-19 regarding animals used for scientific purposes and the regional ethics committees are published and updated by the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

Can I as a researcher submit an application for ethical evaluation as usual?

Yes, you can submit your application as usual. The ethics evaluation process is digital and the regional ethics committees will continue their work on handling applications.

Will the regional ethics committees be able to continue their work on handling research applications?

Yes, the ethics committees will continue their work on handling applications. Meetings can be held by phone. In cases of high absence in one committee, the evaluation process can be transferred to another committee and in those cases, the process might take a little longer. The Swedish Board of Agriculture and the regional ethics committees will do everything to handle your application as soon as possible.

What happens to the animals if I as an owner or the animal caretakers become sick?

If you can’t take care of the animals you must arrange that someone else do it. As an owner of animals you are responsible for taking care of your animals according to the regulations. At companies with many employees it might be relevant to plan for situations with a staff shortage and high absence.

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) is recommending to plan for such scenarios. Just like with other animals it is you as the owner who is responsible for ensuring care-taking according to the regulations. If the animals need to be killed, that must also be done according to regulations.