ANIMAL RESEARCH

TRUE OR FALSE1. People and animals benefit from animal research.2. The animals most commonly used for research are cats and dogs.3. Scientists must follow strict rules and guidelines to use animals for

research4. Laboratory animals suffer pain and distress5. Most laboratory animals are from pounds and animal shelters and

might be missing pets.6. It is wrong to use animals for research7. People are not used as subjects for medical research8. Researchers care about the animals they use in their work9. Specially trained individuals work in research laboratories

specifically to care for the animals10. Research with animals has produced many medical advances that

would not have been achieved otherwise11. Most animal research is unnecessary; the same things could be

learned by using computers or other non-animal methods.12. A career as a medical researcher or a laboratory veterinarian would

be rewarding and fulfilling.

THE NUMBERS

Approximately 330 million people in the US

80 million cats, 72 million dogs as pets in US

160 million pets in US, including birds, horses

9 billion animals consumed as food each yr.

26 million animals used in research

Pets1.85%

Food97.8%

Research0.26%

WHY USE ANIMALS?

Not ethical to test potentially harmful drugs on humans

Easier to control the variables with an animal than with a human

Body systems needed to test drug interactions

Shorter life span helps project long-term effect

PAST TRAGEDIES

1930s – “Lash Lure” eyelash dye contained p-phenylenadiamine resulting in vision loss and 1 death

1937 – antibacterial medicine contained diethylene glycol (antifreeze) – 107 dead

1980s – teflon-coated disk implant for TMJ patients broke down and cause jaw bone erosion

ANIMAL MODELS

Cats – auditory Primates – immune Dogs – cardiovascular, endocrine Mice – aging Rats –aging Rabbits – cardiovascular (cholesterol) Sea urchins – reproductive Other invertebrates – nervous,

reproductive

WITHOUT ANIMAL RESEARCH…

Polio would kill or cripple thousands each year The 580,000 diabetics would die 65 million at risk of death from cardiovascular

disease No dialysis so over ½ million people might die No chemotherapy to save people from cancers AIDS would kill even more people Alzheimer’s disease would be less understood Mental health issues less understood

FACTS ABOUT ANIMAL USE 95% of all animals used in research are rodents, <4%

for rabbits/hamsters/guinea pigs, <0.5% cats, dogs, monkeys

Animals can be genetically engineered to have the diseases for which the research is studying

Data only valid if animals are free of disease and stress unless those are the variables

Feds prohibit use of sick animals Same medical techniques as for humans must be

used thus little or no pain Animals are specifically bred for this From 1973 -2010, the numbers of dogs, cats, guinea

pigs, hamsters, and rabbits used in research decreased 48 – 68%

ANIMAL CARE

Animal care technicians monitor heat, noise, light, food etc

Animal care facilities are kept clean and comfortable much like a hospital

In 2010, 61% of animals were not exposed to any pain. Of those who were, least than 9% were not given any pain-relieving drugs

FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ANIMAL TESTING

FDA requires the animal testing be done before any drugs can be tested on humans

EPA uses data to monitor and regulate air and water qualities for humans and animals

CPSC relies on animal testing data to identify and regulate safe household products

OSHA uses data from animal tests to set regulations that protect workers in workplace

FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR USING ANIMALS IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Scientists must get approval from one or more of the following

US Government Principles for the Utilization & Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research and Training (1984) Procedures relevant to human & animal health Use minimum number of animals for valid results Consider alternatives to animals Pain and distress should be avoided or minimized Provide appropriate living conditions Use properly trained personnel to care for

animals

FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR USING ANIMALS IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Animal Welfare Act (1966,1990) addresses Species covered under act are identified

Rats, mice, birds, not covered under act USDA licensing, reporting and inspection

requirements Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee –IACUC

must review and approve procedures using animals

Voluntary Professional Standards American Association for Accreditation of

Laboratory Animal Research does inspections that exceed existing laws

Has approved 670 research facilities

FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR USING ANIMALS IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

UDSA Animal Welfare Regulations: Before animals can be used, scientist must

assure IACUC that pain and distressed are minimized

When animals are used, facilities standards must be meet

Health Research Extension Act Covers all facilities receiving federal funds Covers all vertebrate animals Involves the Public Health Service which

includes NIH, FDA and CDC

INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE (IACUC) RESPONSIBILITIES

Must inspect every 6 months the facilities and review conditions of animals

Prepare evaluation report for institiution

Review and investigate public or employee concerns

Review and approve proposed activities involving animals

Suspend research activity if necessary

IACUC CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL OF RESEARCH

Must be in accordance with federal regulations Pain and distress must be minimized and

appropriate analgesics or anesthetics used Other alternatives to pain must be considered Must not unnecessarily duplicate previous efforts Properly trained and qualified individuals Appropriate living conditions Sterile surgery with appropriate pre- and post-op

care Any method of euthanasia must be USDA

approved