[2025 Audit] KRIBB Suspected of Illegally Euthanizing at Least 259 Laboratory Primates

Assemblyman No Jongmyeon:
“Serious Loopholes in National Research Institute Management”

At least 259 laboratory primates at the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) were effectively euthanized illegally, according to recent findings. It has also been confirmed that false documents were used to report these animals as “deceased,” raising concerns about serious loopholes in the overall management system for laboratory animals at national research institutions.

On October 24, Assemblyman No Jongmyeon of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Bupyeong-gap, Incheon and a member of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts), who serves on the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee, cited materials submitted by KRIBB and stated, “During the primate supply process in 2020 and 2021, at least 259 animals-202 in the first instance and 57 in the second-were euthanized. While these cases were reported as euthanasia due to ‘positive virus monitoring,’ in reality, proper infection confirmation procedures were not carried out.”

No Jongmyeon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is asking questions at the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee's audit. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

KRIBB submitted “deceased animal reports” to the Jeonbuk Regional Environmental Office, citing “positive virus reaction” as the reason for death. However, it was found that even antigen tests, which could directly confirm infection, were not conducted. Although antibody testing alone cannot confirm infection, large-scale euthanasia was carried out based solely on positive antibody reactions.

Additionally, KRIBB initially attempted to file a “transfer report” for animals that did not meet contractual specifications, but the Jeonbuk Regional Environmental Office rejected the documentation three times due to incomplete paperwork. Subsequently, KRIBB euthanized these animals internally, citing its own internal guidelines.

Assemblyman No pointed out, “To decide on euthanasia due to viral infection, clear scientific evidence such as antigen testing is necessary. Making such decisions based solely on antibody reactions is a serious procedural violation.” He further emphasized, “It is extremely concerning that such opaque management of animal experiments occurred at a national research institution, and urgent measures at the government level are needed to prevent recurrence.”

The primates in question were imported from Cambodia between 2021 and 2022, with many reportedly carrying antibodies for the B-virus, which can be fatal to humans in up to 80% of cases. KRIBB attempted to return animals that did not meet specifications, but their reports-including false information such as “change of research location”-were rejected three times.

During this process, issues arose regarding payment for the animals to be returned, and it was also revealed that some animals were “swapped” and brought back into KRIBB. However, KRIBB was completely unaware of these occurrences, further fueling criticism of poor management.

Assemblyman No stated, “This incident exposes structural problems not only in the management of primates but also in the overall laboratory animal management system. The standards for animal experiment management and ethical review procedures at national research institutions must be thoroughly re-examined.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.