The Valley Animal Research Centre (VARC) is a world leader in its field and, as such, adheres to the strictest protocols in its work.

VARC's internationally significant research is carried out under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. One of the main purposes of the Act is to: "provide a process for approving the use of animals in research, testing, and teaching".

All research, testing or teaching involving live animals in New Zealand must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and be approved by an Animal Ethics Committee.

The VARC Animal Ethics Committee includes three independent members and a member appointed by the RNZSPCA. 

All research and testing carried out by VARC is approved by the Animal Ethics Committee under the Code of Ethical Conduct For The Review of Protocols and Projects certified by MAF. 

As the body which certifies VARC to conduct its work, MAF is responsible for conducting regular and ongoing Audits of VARC's research and facilities to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 1999. 

Above VARC's own Animals Ethics Committee sits the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC), an independent ministerial body which advises the Minister of Agriculture on issues relating to the use of animals in research and provides information and advice to the Animal Ethics Committee. More information on NAEAC can be found here.

HELPING SAVE LIVES

VARC is the lead consultant for the establishment of a children's vaccine testing facility in Capetown, South Africa (view NZBio Report article here). It was asked to run this three-year project following a recommendation by the World Health Organisation, in recognition of the company's international expertise in this field. 

Resistance to current antibiotic regimes (i.e. flesh eating bacteria) is a major concern in the health sector. VARC's work to overcome resistance to antibiotics is crucial to the New Zealand population and health systems globally.

For more than two decades, VARC's Director has been heavily involved in WHO's campaigns to make vaccines widely available to children in the third world.

VARC's work also includes the testing of new antibiotics, anti-arthritics and treatments for osteoporosis. With an ageing population, such illnesses are becoming major concerns and current drug regimes are becoming less effective. 

The discovery and testing of these new products will also make them available for veterinarians to treat the animal populations under their care.

In addition, VARC tests products specifically for dogs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, paraciticides, male and female injectable contraceptives.

NONE of these projects has involved harm or death to any dogs.  Under constant veterinary supervision the care of our animals is foremost.

In a country dependent on Agriculture, VARC's scientific papers and advice to organisations like MAF on Creutzfeld Jakob disease (CJD) and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) are an important contribution to protecting New Zealand's biosecurity.  VARC supports the view of Agriculture and Biosecurity Minister Jim Anderton, who said earlier this year he was sure that "public support for animal testing rests not only on it being humane but also on recognition that animal based research is necessary but kept to a minimum".

The issue regarding animal testing will always be a highly contested, opinionated and emotional one.  Intelligent debate results in dynamic improvements.  But informed debate requires accurate knowledge.  Click here for the true facts regarding animal testing.

For all enquiries please e-mail VARC at:  info@varc.co.nz