Scientist collapsed after lab mouse bite

A LABORATORY mouse bit back at a scientist, who had to be taken to hospital after the animal sunk its teeth into his finger.

The lab technician was carrying out tests when the mouse bit him and he collapsed last year. He was taken to hospital, having suffered an extreme allergic reaction.

The attack took place in a lab at Cardiff University – where 42,660 mice were experimented on last year.

A Cardiff University spokesman said: “The university has a duty of care to all staff working with animals and takes health and safety seriously.

“Rigorous procedures are in place to ensure a safe working environment and all staff are encouraged to report animal bites, regardless of whether they are considered occupational hazards.

“In 2017, an experienced animal technician suffered an unexpected anaphylactic shock after being bitten by a mouse.

“The incident was dealt with immediately by the university, and the individual hospitalised as a precaution. The individual has fully recovered.”

The information was unearthed by campaigners Cardiff Animal Rights.

A spokesman for the group said: “It is absolutely not acceptable the amount of distress caused to living beings here. We call on Cardiff University to move forward and stop the cruelty and killing.”