A nationwide halt in air transport of laboratory animals has disrupted scientific research in India, causing delays, financial losses and stress to animals, reports Chennai's New Indian Express.

Laboratory Animal Scientists Association (LASA) leaders Vijay Pal Singh and RK Shakthi Devan said the suspension of live-animal cargo services has forced institutions to rely on road transport, which is unsafe and inhumane for sensitive species.

Air India was previously the only carrier accepting live laboratory animals, but discontinued the service after its transition to private ownership. Journeys that once took a day now stretch to two or three days by road, exposing animals to heat, stress and limited feed and water.

More than 15 species are used in research worldwide, including mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, pigs, monkeys and guinea pigs. Dr Devan said mortality during transit is common, adding that when animals suffer, research suffers.

The animals are supplied by government-approved centres and licensed breeders, with all studies requiring clearance from the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals.

LASA said no domestic airline currently accepts laboratory animals, forcing researchers to move them across States by road. International carriers still bring imported animals to Bengaluru or Mumbai, but domestic transfers again depend on road transport, which scientists say undermines infection-free conditions.

All tests must be conducted in CCSEA-approved laboratories under Institutional Animal Ethics Committee protocols. The scientists said they plan to meet Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to seek intervention.