ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 imposed euthanasia of research animals and partial or complete closure of laboratory animal facilities across the world in the recent. In an attempt to find out the impact on laboratory animals, a survey was conducted ensuring the voluntary participation of institutions from different regions of India. Results: A total of 56 facilities participated from 14 states and union territories. From their responses 94.64% of the facilities operated either fully or partly with12.5% operating completely. 62.5% had no interruption in receiving essential supplies and 16.1% operated with complete man-power. 19.64% paused breeding completely and 53.57% partially. Besides strict lockdown, 95.83% of the institutes were able to provide veterinary care. 58.93% of the institutions conducted online IAEC meetings indicative of continuing research activities. Many facilities reported morbidities (64.29%) and mortality (8.93%). To optimize resources 41% reported euthanasia of animals. Conclusion: Statistical analysis revealed a significant association of lockdown associated reduced man-power and impaired essential-supplies with these observed eventualities. In conclusion, even though the lockdown had created a partial disruption of activities, operations and research went on in the majority of the facilities in India.