Laws against the cruelty to animals are forcing foreign companies to use South African research facilities.
A director of the Roodeplaat Research Laboratory, Dr Schalk van Rensburg, said the lack of laws governing experiments on animals in South Africa made the establishment of the laboratory possible. It is the only private animal research laboratory in the country where research for international companies is being done.
Despite the lack of legal requirements, the laboratory operates under strict security measures which Dr van Rensburg says is because of industrial espionage. The only outsiders allowed into the laboratory are selected members of organisations such as the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the police and the Medical Research Board.
Except for a vague ethical code that recommends minimum pain must be inflicted on animals during experiments, no other laws exist in South africa as to the type of research allowed.
This is in direct contrast to most Western countries, such as the Scandinavian countries, America, Britain, France and West Germany where, according to Dr van Rensburg, "constraints make it increasingly difficult and expensive to do research. They also make the existence of a versatile, independent contract research facility a very attractive alternative prospect."
The effects of insecticides, antibiotics, cancer and other pharmaceutical products are tested on monkeys, baboons and rats at the laboratory and Dr van Rensburg admits that some of these experiments can cause extreme pain.
"But these experiments are necessary and to the benefit of the human being and have saved the lives of thousands," Dr van Rensburg said.
Why South Africa? "Ideally, biological research should be conducted in a setting where there is a well-developed infrastructure, efficient and stable administration, available labour and expertise at a realistic cost, where public opinion is predominantly rational rather than emotive, and where essential animals, including primates, are readily available and relatively cheap.
"South Africa is a natural choice, and in this regard has been attracting increasing foreign attention in recent times," said Dr van Rensburg.
In most instances South Africa does not benefit directly, but the resultant medical and pharmaceutical products normally find their way back to the country, he said.
Between 500 and 3000 rats, 100 baboons and monkeys, sheep, horses and goats are used for experiments at the Roodeplaat Laboratory.
Experiments are also done at the H.A. Grove Animal Research Centre but these are restricted to the H.F. Verwoerd Hospital and the effects of medicines.
* Our photographers were not allowed to visit the Roodeplaat Research Laboratory.