1. Caring for Research Animals
Biomedical Research

2. Caring for Animals Used in Research
Public is concerned with how animals are treated
Animals that are treated well provide normal responses that are required in research
Animals that are stressed are poor research models
It is humane and good science to properly care for research animals

3. 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

4. Caring for Animals Used in Research
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) -
ensures quality standards
certifies technicians are qualified

5. Caring for Animals Used in Research
What are the Animal facilities like?
clean and comfortable
technicians wear lab coats and gloves/masks
conscientious care provided

6. Caring for Animals Used in Research
How are animals treated?
technicians make animals feel comfortable and happy
compassionate care
try to make the animal feel like it’s their home

7. Caring for Animals Used in Research
What about pain?
61% of animals are not exposed to pain at all
30% animals were given pain relievers or anesthesia

8. Caring for Animals Used in Research
Only 8.6% are exposed to pain without pain killers which represents research on chronic pain such as burns and cancer
animals cannot receive pain medication for these studies but quantity and duration of pain is strictly monitored

9. Caring for Animals Used in Research
Federal 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

10. Caring for Animals Used in Research
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

11. Caring for Animals Used in Research
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)-identify and regulate risks due to household products
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)- uses data from animal testing to set regulations that protect workers

12. Caring for Animals Used in Research
Federal 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

13. Caring for Animals Used in Research
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

14. Caring for Animals Used in Research
Animal 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
each facility must have a Responsibilities of Animal Care and Use committee
review and approve procedures prior to using animals
inspection facilities twice a year for compliance

15. Caring for Animals Used in Research
USDA Animal Welfare Regulations
detailed regulations for responsibilities of research facilities
duties of IACUCs
specific standards for animal care

16. Caring for Animals Used in Research
USDA 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

17. Caring for Animals Used in Research
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

18. Caring for Animals Used in Research
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