Animal Research

True or False People and animals benefit from animal research. The animals most commonly used for research are cats and dogs. Scientists must follow strict rules and guidelines to use animals for research Laboratory animals suffer pain and distress Most laboratory animals are from pounds and animal shelters and might be missing pets. It is wrong to use animals for research People are not used as subjects for medical research Researchers care about the animals they use in their work Specially trained individuals work in research laboratories specifically to care for the animals Research with animals has produced many medical advances that would not have been achieved otherwise Most animal research is unnecessary; the same things could be learned by using computers or other non-animal methods. 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

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