Caring for Research Animals Biomedical Research. Caring for Animals Used in Research Public is...

Caring for Research Animals

Biomedical Research

Caring for Animals Used in ResearchPublic is concerned with how animals are treatedAnimals that are treated well provide normal responses that are required in researchAnimals that are stressed are poor research modelsIt is humane and good science to properly care for research animals

Caring for Animals Used in Research

Who takes care of the animals?● Technicians with 2 or 4 year degrees● check animal health daily● control environment for comfort● give medications or other therapy if needed● after surgery care if needed● supervised by Veterinarian


American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) -● ensures quality standards● certifies technicians are qualified


What are the Animal facilities like?● clean and comfortable● technicians wear lab coats and

gloves/masks● conscientious care provided


How are animals treated?● technicians make animals feel comfortable

and happy● compassionate care● try to make the animal feel like it’s their

home


What about pain?● 61% of animals are not exposed to pain at

all● 30% animals were given pain relievers or

anesthesia


● Only 8.6% are exposed to pain without pain killers which represents research on chronic pain such as burns and cancero animals cannot receive pain medication for these

studies but quantity and duration of pain is strictly monitored

Caring for Animals Used in ResearchFederal requirements for animal testing● protect public from hazardous products● require animal testing for certain products● four principal agencies administer these

regulations● FDA, EPA, CPSC, and OSHA


Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- requires animal testing for over the counter and prescription drugs Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-uses data from animal testing to identify and regulate substances such as air or water pollutants that might be hazardous to humans


Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)-identify and regulate risks due to household productsOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)- uses data from animal testing to set regulations that protect workers

Caring for Animals Used in ResearchFederal Laws, regulations, guidelines that govern care of animals used in research● US Government Principles for the Utilization and Care

of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training

● Animal Welfare Act (AWA)● USDA Animal Welfare Regulation● Health Research Extension Act


US Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training. 1984● procedures involving animals be relevant● minimum number used● alternatives considered● avoid pain or distress minimized● appropriate living conditions● proper training & qualifications for handlers

Caring for Animals Used in ResearchAnimal Welfare Act (AWA)-1966-applies to all public and private facilities● Species covered determined by Dept of Agriculture -----------

not covered: mice, rats, birds● USDA licensing, reporting & inspection at least once per year

and verify # of animals used & compliance with regulations● Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)1985 amendment

o each facility must have a Responsibilities of Animal Care and Use committee

o review and approve procedures prior to using animalso inspection facilities twice a year for compliance


USDA Animal Welfare Regulations

● detailed regulations for responsibilities of research facilities● duties of IACUCs● specific standards for animal care

Caring for Animals Used in ResearchUSDA Animal Welfare Regulations● before animals can be used the researcher must assure

IACUC any animal pain/distress is minimized, must consider alternatives to using animals, and not duplicate previous experiments

● specific requirements for handling, housing, cage size, feeding, watering, sanitation, ventilation, temperature, humidity, and veterinary care.

● Must have individualized written exercise plan for dogs ● Must have individualized written plan addressing psychological

well being of nonhuman primates


Health Research Extension Act-1985● Applies to all facilities that receive Federal funding (grants)● Regulations based on long-standing policies supported by

Public Health Service which includes NIH, FDA, CDC● Similar to the AWA but includes rats, mice, and birds● Funding can be suspended or revoked for noncompliance

with law


Voluntary Professional Standards-1965● Independent, peer review, accreditation program Under

American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC)

● promotes highest standards of animal care● periodic inspection of facilities that exceeds existing

laws and regulations● approved for 670 research facilities--like the “Good

Housekeeping Seal of Approval” for research

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