1. Animal Research

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Animal Models Cats – auditory Primates – immune
Dogs – cardiovascular, endocrine
Mice – aging
Rats –aging
Rabbits – cardiovascular (cholesterol)
Sea urchins – reproductive
Other invertebrates – nervous, reproductive

7. 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

8. 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 , the numbers of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits used in research decreased 48 – 68%

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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