Lab Animal Welfare Flashcards
What are the 3 Rs?
Replacement-methods to replace use of animals e.g. tissue culture
Reduction -minimise animal use
Refinement- improve procedures and handling
What type of research must address the 3 Rs?
All licensed vertebrae research
How many procedures can an animal be used on?
Only 1
What is ASPA 1986?
Animal scientific procedures act
Protect all vertebrae and cephalopods used in testing and research
What is excluded in ASPA 1986?
Humane killing using listed methods, momentary pain e.g.routine procedures, treatment for no scientific purpose
In animal testing, the worst possible outcome is represented to show the animals impairment. what are the 4 categories for this?
Mild (short lasting, little impairment)
Moderate (moderate pain or long lasting mild)
Severe (death at end point, long lasting moderate pain)
Non-recovery - anaesthesia
The grimace scale for mice is a way to measure pain. How is the scale measured? What does the scale go to?
0-2 Orbital tightening Ear position Nose bulge Cheek bulge Whisker change
How much room does each mouse need?
200 cm squared
Animals welfare can be measured in which 3ways?
Pathology/clinical signs - although hard to monitor mental health
Physiological stress response e.g. stress hormones/temperature
Behavioural measures -e.g. stereotypes, response to stimuli, anxiety tests
Lab animals are handled often to reduce stress. Why is handling of lab animals so important?
Major cause of stress
Can impact results
If impacted results, animal is ‘wasted’
What are the 3 methods of handling mice?
Tail handling
Home cage tunnel
Cupping in an opened hand
What is the disadvantage of tail handling?
Mice can bite and grip the floor
What is the advantage of home cage tunnels for handling?
Familiar
No direct contact
What are the advantages and disadvantages of cupping on the open hand?
Mice may jump
No direct restraint
Mice are most anxious when picked up by the tail. They are least anxious when using the tunnel. When are anxiety tests best done?
When the animal is most relaxed
What is barbering?
Plucking hair of self or cage mates
What causes barbering?
Chemical irritation
Boredom
Infestation
What stereotypes may be seen in lab mice? What does this reflect?
Bar twirling
Jumping
Somersaulting
Motivation to escape -develop from frustration
Why are shelters/ free moving nests needed in the cage?
Thermoregulation
Predation
Why are social groups so important?
Can lead to stress
Can result in injury or death
How do mice prefer to be grouped?
With familiar members
In the wild, who do mice live with?
Extended family
Male mice are territorial. How is aggression in lab mice reduced?
Inbreeding
Similar smelling mice leads to less aggression
