An ecologist extracts a sample of blood from a Mastomys Natalensis rodent in the village of Jormu in southeastern Sierra Leone February 8, 2011. Lassa fever, named after the Nigerian town where it was first identified in 1969, is among a U.S. list of "category A" diseases -- deemed to have the potential for major public health impact -- alongside anthrax and botulism. The disease is carried by the Mastomys Natalensis rodent, found across sub-Saharan Africa and often eaten as a source of protein. It infects an estimated 300,000-500,000 people each year, and kills about 5,000. Picture taken February 8, 2011. To match Reuters-Feature BIOTERROR-AFRICA/ REUTERS/Simon Akam (SIERRA LEONE - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY ANIMALS) - GM1E72F07HC01
Feb. 14, 2022
Swiss voters rejected a proposal by animal rights activists to make Switzerland the first country to ban medical and scientific experiments on animals, but approved tougher restrictions on cigarette advertising in referendums held on Sunday.
Only 21% of voters were in favor of the animal experiment ban, with 79% against, according to government figures, in the nationwide referendum held under the Swiss tradition of direct democracy. read more
Supporters had wanted to halt tests, saying they are unethical and unnecessary, but ran into opposition from the country’s powerful pharmaceuticals lobby, which warned of the economic damage such a ban could cause.
“We are delighted with the clear rejection of this harmful initiative,” said Rene Buholzer, CEO of lobby group Interpharma.
“It shows that the Swiss population recognizes the central role of research for people’s health and for prosperity in Switzerland.”
Supporters said animals in laboratories and used to provide food suffer serious discrimination.
“Why don’t we have more empathy for them?” said campaign co-president Renato Werndli.
In another vote on Sunday, voters approved tighter restrictions on tobacco advertising, with 57% in favor.
The restrictions will see such advertising banned in newspapers, cinemas, the internet, at events, and on billboards, with supporters saying such adverts encourage youth smoking.
“We constantly hear that people end up in hospitals or die or that they have huge health issues, but still advertising is still here, of course it’s about money, as always.”
The government was defeated in the other two votes on Sunday.
Its proposal to scrap the 1% tax on raising equity was opposed by 63% with only 37% in favour, an outcome Finance Minister Ueli Maurer said sent a negative signal to businesses seeking to invest in Switzerland.
Bern’s plan to increase financial support for the media also failed, rejected by 55% of voters.
“The majority thought that probably too much money was being given to the media, and many agreed with the argument that the proposal favored the big publishers,” Communications Minister Simonetta Sommaruga told a news conference alongside Maurer.
“In the last few weeks the argument prevailed that the wrong people would benefit.”
REUTERS
