Introduction in animal research Flashcards
When is an animal experiment allowed?
It is not allowed to test on animals, unless:
- there is no alternative method available
- the law obliges an animal experiment
What are important considerations for animal experimentation?
- Usage of non-human vertebrates and chephalopods for purposes described in the EU Directive, with a risk of discomfort for the animal.
- Clear research question
- A procedure must be followed
- Can be invasive or non-invasive
- Purpose described in the EU Directive
- With a known or unknown outcome
- Which may cause the animal a level op pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm equivalent to, or higher than, that caused by the introduction of a needle in accordance with a good veterinary practice.
What are purposes that are described by the EU Directive that explain when animals can be used for research?
- Basic research
- Translational or applied research
- By legislation obliged testing of the quality, effectiveness, toxicity and safety of drugs, foodstuffs and feedstuffs and other substances or products.
- Protection of the natural environment in the interests of the health or welfare of human beings or animals
- Research aimed at preservation of the species
- Higher education, or training for the acquisition, maintenance or improvement of vocational skills
- Forensic inquiries
Some examples of what animal experiments are used for.
Ok
What function do the following institutions have in animal experiments:
- NVWA
- Centrale Commissie Dierproeven (CCD)
- Animal Welfare Body (AWB)
- Animal Ethical Committee (DEC)
- NVWA → oversees if researchers who use animals for their experiments follow the Wet op Dierproeven (WOD) (the law about animal experiments)
- Centrale Commissie Dierproeven (CCD) → commission that grants researchers licences for animal experimentation.
- Animal Welfare Body (AWB) → helps to ensure responsibe animal experimentation policy (lokal level)
- Animal Ethical Committee (DEC) → responsible for approving and monitoring animal research within research institutions (CCD consults with DEC for advice)
What is the definition of the 3Rs?
The main goal of the 3Rs is to alter traditional animal experimentation so that animal experimentation is reduced to a minimum whenever possible. The 3Rs are:
- Replacement → methods which avoid or replace the use of animals
- Reduction → methods which minimise the number of animals used per experiment
- Refinement → methods which minimise animal suffering and improve welfare
Animal research is tightly regulated by the Dutch and EU law. Name 1 of the authorities that is involved in the approval of a project license.
- CCD (centrale commissie dierproeven)
- AWB (Animal welfare body/instantie voor dierenwelzijn)
- DEC (Dieren experimenten commissie/Animal ethics committee)
- NVWA (Nederlands Voedsel- en Warenauthoriteit)