Severity Workshops

Directive 2010/63/EU contains a requirement that all procedures should be classified as `non-recovery`, `mild`, `moderate`, or `severe` on a case-by-case basis, using the assignment criteria set out in Annex VIII. Member States shall ensure that a procedure is not performed if it involves severe pain, suffering or distress that is likely to be long-lasting and cannot be ameliorated. Annex VIII defines the severity categories, gives guidance on assignment criteria and gives examples of different types of procedure in each of the categories. Since 2016, FELASA has offered workshops on severity classification in Europe to ensure that colleagues from all Member States are well informed and trained to effectively deliver the severity classification prospectively and report the actual severity at the end of each procedure according to the Framework set out in the Directive. This is to ensure that prospective classification in project design and evaluation on the use of animals in procedures, and the information on the actual severity in the statistical reporting of the procedures is aligned across Europe. Thousands of delegates have already followed one or more ‘FELASA Severity Workshops’. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to promote the consistent use of the severity classification framework with optimal refinement of all procedures. These Workshops will offer delegates information and hands on training to harmonise severity classifications within Member States. Additionally, it will be an essential aid to comply with the severity classification Framework as regulated in the EU Directive.