10. laboratory animals Flashcards
how many animals are used per year?
dog- ~60k cats- ~21k rabbits- ~150k guinea pigs- ~170k hamster- ~122k non-human primates (NHP)- ~58k
most research are painful to animals.
True or false
false
94% of research are not painful
what is non-painful research
either the animal is not exposed to painful procedures or pain-relieving drugs are given
what is the life expectancy of humans born in 2013?
79 years
what are some benefits to humans from animal research?
- Immunization/Vaccines
- Antibiotics
- Anesthetics & Analgesics
- Chemotherapy
- Organ Transplants
- Surgical Procedures
- Insulin for Diabetics
- High Blood Pressure Medication
- Cataract Surgery
- Allergy Treatments
- Arthritis Treatments
- MS & MD Treatments
- Dental Treatments
- Joint Replacements
- ETC.
what are some benefits to animals from animal research?
- Immunization/Vaccines
- Antibiotics
- Anesthetics & Analgesics
- Chemotherapy
- Organ Transplants
- Surgical Procedures
- Parasite Treatments
- Artificial Insemination
- Embryo Transfer Techniques
- Better Nutrition in Pet Foods
- Pet heart disease treatments
- Joint Replacement in Hip Dysplasia
- Genetic Research for Inherited
Diseases in Purebred Animals - ETC
which animal is the most economical and easiest to use first?
mouse
animal species model selection
- Most economical and easiest to use first
- Choose species best characterized for a specific disease
- Choose availability of genetically altered animals
- Sample size requirements
- Surgical Manipulations
(Size & physiological similarity to humans) - Simulates specific disease state in humans
what are some animal models?
- Mice
- Rats
- Gerbils
- Hamsters
- Guinea Pigs
- Rabbits
- Cats
- Dogs
- Non-Human Primates
product safety tests
everything that goes in or on you must be proven safe by the FDA
what does “Not tested on animals” mean?
only the content of that bottle was not tested on animals
the chemical itself had to be tested to be considered safe
what are some tests used for product safety?
- toxicology test- draize test, skin irritancy
- Teratology Tests—products that cause birth defects
- Mutagenicity Tests—products that cause genetic mutations
FDA origin
came about in 1938 because of eyelash dye (blindness and death) and cough medicine (death)
animal welfare act definition of “animal”
“Any live or dead dog, cat, non-human primate,
guinea pig, hamster, rabbit used for research,
testing, experimentation, exhibition or as a pet.”
(Excludes mice, rats, birds and farm animals.)
Public Health Service Act definition of “animal”
“Any living vertebrate animal.”
Includes mice, rats, birds and farm animals.
Russell & Burch’s “3R’s” of research and testing
- Refinement: -minimize or prevent distress
-reduce pain and suffering
-i.e. anesthesia & analgesia - Reduction: -reduce the number of animals used
-use healthier animals to start with
-use a transgenic line
(instead of making an inbred line) - Replacement: -alternatives to using animals
-initial cell and tissue cultures
-computer models
Alternatives to Animals in Research
- Non-mammalian Vertebrates—frogs, fish, reptiles
- Invertebrates—insects
- Microorganisms
- Cell and tissue cultures
- Human tissue—removed at surgery, biopsy, autopsy
- Mathematical models
- Computer models
- Simulation models—animal replica models
- Videotapes
what is alternatives?
describes non-animal methods
usually used alongside animal studies, not instead of them
“The Guide”
- purpose of the Guide is to assist institutions in caring
for and using animals in ways judged to be scientifically,
technically and humanely appropriate. - Also to assist researchers in planning and conducting
animal experiments that meet with the highest scientific,
humane and ethical principles. - These recommendations are based on published data,
scientific principles, expert opinions and experience with
practices that have proved to be consistent with high
quality, humane animal care.
IACUC
Institutional Animal Care
and Use Committee
Any institution receiving government funding must establish an
IACUC
1. Inspect and assure that the animal research facilities and equipment meet
acceptable standards. (At least every 6 months)
2. Evaluation of the animal programs, to make sure that the animals are being
properly handled and cared for by adequately trained and qualified personnel.
3. Submission of reports to institutional officials. After a facility inspection, a written
report must be signed by a majority of the IACUC on the status of animal care.
4. Review proposed protocols for activities involving the use of animals in research,
testing and teaching. Protocols MUST be approved by the IACUC BEFORE any
animal use begins.
protocol
A protocol is a form filled out by the researcher for an intended experiment using animals that must be
evaluated prior to conducting animal research. (reviewed 1/mo.)
topics included in the protocol
- Rationale and proposed use of animals.
- Justification of species and the number of animals needed.
- Evaluation of alternatives to animal use.
- Adequacy and training of personnel in procedures.
- Special housing or husbandry requirements.
- Appropriate sedation, analgesia and anesthesia.
- Literature review to prevent unnecessary duplication of experiments. (stated)
- Use of multiple major operative procedures.
- Criteria and process for timely intervention and removal of an animal from a study.
- Post-procedural care of animals.
- Method of euthanasia.
- Safety of working environment for personnel.
AALAS
American Association for Laboratory
Animal Science
AALAS is an association of professional people and institutions
concerned with the production, care and study of laboratory animals.
3 levels of certications of AALAS
- Assistant lab animal technician (ALAT)
- Lab animal technician (LAT)
- Lab animal technologist (LATg)
Housing of Research animals
Microenvironment - primary enclosure; cage
Macroenvironment – secondary enclosure: room
there are specific space requirements for animals based on species, size and breeding status
How can environments vary in the same room?
- Cages near the ceiling are warmer than cages near floor.
- Cage near the ceiling have stronger light than cages near floor.
- Ventilation is better in upper cages than cages near floor.
(10-15 complete air changes/room/hour is the standard)
Animal husbandry
care of animals
1. Food - Animals should be fed palatable, non-contaminated and nutritionally
adequate food daily (unless on nutrition studies). Commercially available feeds
satisfy these needs.
Milling dates on food bags – know manufacture date and shelf life of food
(food becomes deficient in nutrients after recommended shelf life)
What about food with Vitamin C – storage and shelf life=3 months
2. Water must be clean and potable and available at all times.
(may need filters on taps, depending on location and water hardness)
3. Bedding should keep animals dry between cage changes, and allow for nest
building or burrowing, if applicable for the species
4. Sanitation – cage cleaning, room cleaning, and quality control
Have a schedule to keep everything clean and minimize odors.
Veterinary Medical Care
A vet care program must be established by the
institution’s vet who is experienced in laboratory animal
medicine.
This program should consist of:
1. Assessment of animal well being
2. Preventive medicine
3. Diagnosis, treatment and control of diseases
4. Anesthesia and analgesia
5. Surgery and post-surgical care.
6. Euthanasia
Acquiring Animals for Research
All animals used in research must be acquired lawfully.
1. USDA Class A Dealers of Dogs and Cats
Deal with animals bred specifically for research.
These animals are used for long term studies.
- USDA Class B Dealers of Dogs and Cats
Deal with animals from random sources.
These animals are used for short term studies.
Pet Theft Myth
Myth: Pets are stolen and used in research. (Animal rights propaganda.)
Truth: IT IS A FEDERAL OFFENSE TO SELL STOLEN PETS TO RESEARCH FACILITIES!
enivonment enrichment
The alteration of an animal’s
microenvironment to provide them with the opportunity to perform
species-specific behavior that we perceive as positive while reducing
abnormal behavior.
