Stop Replicating "Havana Syndrome" in Animals' Brains

Stop Replicating "Havana Syndrome" in Animals' Brains

Humane CosmeticsNews recently broke that the Department of Defense (DoD) is funding cruel and faulty animal research into an ailment referred to as “Havana Syndrome.” This malady has afflicted hundreds of U.S. government personnel and is shrouded in mystery as the causes (as well as potential treatments) elude scientists. Symptoms of Havana Syndrome are similar to those of traumatic brain injury, and can include severe headaches, temporary loss of hearing and vertigo.

In a misguided search for a cause of Havana Syndrome, scientists are exposing ferrets to radio frequency waves for two hours a day for 60 days to determine whether these waves induce brain changes similar to those that occur as a result of traumatic brain injury. Comparable tests have also been conducted on nonhuman primates.   

The DoD’s decision to jump to animal testing ignores proven science that biological differences between humans and other species render such animal test data irrelevant.  The decision to test on animals is further perplexing given that non-animal test methods exist that can better predict a human response to neurological injury.  

In addition, multiple intelligence agencies have gone on record stating that it is highly unlikely that directed energy weapons, such as the radio frequency waves used in the animal tests, are the cause of Havana Syndrome. This makes the decision to test on animals all the more perplexing—and all the more cruel.

Calls to Action: 

  1. Please use the form below to contact the appropriate officials.
  2. Spread the word! Share this page with your social network.

 

Recipients

  • Secretary Lloyd Austin
  • Dr. Timothy Stemmler
  • Secretary Christine Wormuth

Contact

*Required fields
 

If you take action and have not already registered, you will receive periodic updates and communications from National Anti-Vivisection Society.

Message

Please cease funding of futile animal experiments to research Havana Syndrome

Dear [Decision Maker],

POLITICO recently reported on the Department of Defense's funding of animal research into the cause of the mysterious Havana Syndrome. There is no question that Havana Syndrome presents very real, serious symptoms that deserve the attention of the scientific community. However, the use of animals in experiments that mimic traumatic brain injury is futile and unwarranted.

The testing, which is expected to last through September, exposes ferrets to radio frequency waves for two hours a day for 60 days to determine whether these waves induce brain changes similar to those that occur as a result of traumatic brain injury. Comparable tests have also been conducted on nonhuman primates. These experiments ignore findings from the scientific community that biological differences between species render data from such animal experiments irrelevant.

The use of animals to investigate the cause of Havana Syndrome also violates the principles of the 3Rs in research, which all universities and government agencies claim to uphold. It is clear that the principle of "replacement" is being ignored in this case, as non-animal test methods exist that better predict a human response to neurological injury.

The decision to test on animals is especially perplexing given that multiple intelligence agencies have gone on the record stating that it is highly unlikely that directed energy weapons, such as the radio frequency waves used in the animal tests, are the cause of Havana Syndrome.

Identifying the cause of and finding cures for Havana Syndrome is of upmost importance to protect our U.S. government personnel working around the globe. That said, those personnel deserve the best available science to help relieve their suffering--and evidence shows that animal experiments do not meet that need. Please consider an end to all funding of animal experiments toward this goal.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]