Animal research

Question 1

what is “The Code” short for

Answer 1

Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, 8th edition 2013

Question 2

who made the code

Answer 2

NHMRC

Question 3

how does the Code define animal

Answer 3

any non human cephalopod or vertebrate (reptile, amphibian, fish, bird, mammal (purpose bred, livestock, wildlife, pets))

Question 4

according to the code, how is respect for animals demonstrated

Answer 4

animal use must be justified.
reduction, replacement and refinement
looking after the animal’s welfare, preventing/minimising harm
knowing and accepting one’s responsibilities, applying high standards of scientific integrity

Question 5

how can refinement be ensured

Answer 5

• Ensure the people doing the procedures are competent, or are supervised by competent people
• Limit duration of procedrues

Question 6

reduction: things to consider?

Answer 6

• Still, a large enough sample size is required for a valid conclusion to be formed
• If you reduce the amount of animals used, don’t increase the amount of harm done to them. Reuse is best after the animal is killed
• Don’t breed excess animals

Question 7

examples of replacement?

Answer 7

• Eg. Cadavers, clinical cases, non sentient organisms, in vitro systems, computer simulation

Question 8

describe the structure of an animal ethics committee

Answer 8

• A chairperson
• Category a: vet
• Category B: scientist/teacher with experience using animals for science
• Category C: person dedicated to improving animal welfare (could be another vet)
• Category D: layperson not involved in animal research

Question 9

describe how animal use is regualted by the ethics committee

Answer 9

1. Project leaders submits proposal
2. Animal ethics committee discusses what’s acceptable and what should be changed, in line with the Code (including RRR).
3. Resubmission may be necessary