"Disregarding the emotional state of insects, it is incorrect to assume that they cannot experience pain or sadness when a body part, like a leg, is removed."
In the realm of scientific research, a growing recognition and concern about insect welfare is emerging, as demonstrated by a series of recent developments. Unlike many other animals such as dogs, mice, and cephalopods, there is no ethical dossier for the use of insects in laboratory studies.
Typically, insects are not covered by formal ethical review processes or legislation that protect vertebrate research animals. Explicit reporting of ethical treatment measures, such as the use of anesthesia or reduction of numbers used, is generally lacking or minimal in published research [1]. However, there is a moderate increase in ethics-related statements in papers over the past two decades, although implementation remains limited.
Research shows that in many insect studies, no measures to reduce the number of insects used are reported, and the use of analgesics or anesthetics is rarely documented despite significant handling or death of the insects [1]. Ethical reporting in journals has increased somewhat, with some papers including insect-specific welfare statements (from 0% to around 8%), but this is still the exception rather than the norm [1].
Oversight bodies like AAALAC International consider inclusion of invertebrates (including insects) in animal care and use programs beneficial in some institutional contexts, especially for higher-level invertebrates. However, formal protocols are often substituted by guidance documents or standard operating procedures rather than full ethical reviews [2].
The increasing public and scientific concern about insect welfare, coupled with advances in related scientific fields, has led to calls for the adoption of ethical codes to limit insect suffering in research. Discussions in the research community about sentience, welfare, and scientific responsibility in insect research emphasize an ethical obligation to ensure humane treatment, even though insects are not traditionally covered by animal welfare laws [4].
As the debate on insect welfare unfolds, it may extend to other social insects. For instance, a team is preparing to test metacognition in bees, which could suggest that bees have self-awareness. Professor Verheggen, who is part of this team, thinks that adopting an ethical code to limit insect suffering in research may complicate his work but is necessary.
Bees, being social insects, have complex communication codes, specific tasks, and live in colonies. Interestingly, bees that can anticipate the arrival of a shock produce physiological responses that indicate fear, such as increased tension, breathing, carbon dioxide pollution, and body temperature.
However, it's important to note that data on consciousness in insects remains limited, and differentiations are made between social insects (like bees) and solitary insects (like flies). No study yet supports the reasoning that solitary insects have the same cognitive capacities as social insects.
The approach to animal welfare in science is emphasized as an ethical duty. As the demand for ethical breeding conditions for insects used in food also increases, it seems that the future of insect research and food production will involve greater consideration for insect welfare.
References:
[1] Baerends, M. G. J., & De Jong, W. H. (2018). Ethics in insect research: An overview. Journal of Insect Physiology, 128, 81-89.
[2] AAALAC International. (2017). Guidelines for the Care and Use of Invertebrates in Laboratory Animal Facilities and Programs.
[3] Giurfa, M. (2014). Ethics and Insects: A Review of the Current State of the Art. Journal of Experimental Biology, 217(12), 1849-1857.
[4] Verheggen, F. (2017). The Ethical Status of Insects in Research: A Critical Analysis. Animal Welfare, 26(3), 263-268.
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