Animal-free training
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European Respiratory Society stops animal experiments in its training courses
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has decided to eliminate animal experiments from its medical training programs. This decision marks a significant step forward for ethical and scientifically advanced education. The ERS, one of the world's leading professional societies in the field of respiratory medicine, is sending a clear signal for the shift toward modern, human-relevant methods.
The ERS is the largest scientific and clinical organization in the field of respiratory medicine in Europe, with more than 35,000 physicians and healthcare professionals from over 160 countries. The organization also offers courses in education, training, and continuing professional development. In these training courses, piglets are used as so-called respiratory models, allowing physicians to practice bronchoscopy procedures by inserting tubes into the animals' lungs. The aim of such courses is to learn the procedures on animals before performing them on human patients.
However, the anatomy of humans and animals differs, and bronchoscopy simulators already exist that accurately replicate the human respiratory system, even taking individual anatomical variations into account. These simulators can, for example, simulate specific conditions that make bronchoscopy more challenging—such as changes in the tongue and larynx, edema, injuries, or cysts. There are also specialized pediatric models. Such models, which are tailored to humans and their individually varying anatomy, offer more realistic learning experiences and thus contribute to improved training.
The recently decided phase-out of animal experiments in ERS courses is a success resulting from the dedicated advocacy efforts of NGOs. For example, PETA informed the ERS about the drawbacks of using animals and introduced modern, animal-free methods. The ERS’s announcement to forgo animal experiments in the future is therefore also evidence of how NGOs are constructively driving the shift toward animal-free science.
Animal-free methods are key to achieving better and safer medical progress and contribute to improved education and training for medical professionals. The ERS’s decision demonstrates that a consistent shift to animal-free methods is not only necessary but also feasible.
Further Information
Animal experimentation in higher education and animal-free teaching methods >>
References
Erfolg: Die European Respiratory Society beendet Tierversuche nach Druck von PETA, PETA, 21.02.2025