Ecotoxicity testing refers both to the assessment of chemical effects on fish, birds, or other wild organisms and the testing of soil, sediment, or effluents for the presence of toxic compounds. To fulfill their mandates to protect the environment, several ICCVAM member agencies, including the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, require manufacturers of pesticides and other chemical products to conduct ecotoxicity testing.
Ecotoxicity testing can require animal testing using either the species of interest or animal models of the species of interest. ICCVAM member agencies are exploring ways to reduce or replace animal use for ecotoxicity studies.