1. Laboratory animals welfare issues: a scientific and legislative perspective Gianpaolo Milite DVM, M.Sc Moscow, October 17th 2012

3. Driven by a concept. “Animal welfare is a value of the Union that is enshrined in Article 13 of Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)” Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 september 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. Art 2.

4. A long way to change and improve… Directive 86/609/CEE Directive 63/2010 UE In 2007 Recommendations from the EU Commission 24 years since the first Directive and the last 11 dedicated to develop the new Directive.

5. Few numbers…… Directive 86/609/CEE 27 articles 22 pages 2 Annex Directive 63/2010 UE 66 articles 47 pages 8 Annex 56 Introductory statements…..

6. 1.Mouse (Mus musculus) 2.Rat (Rattus norvegicus) 3.Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) 4.Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) 5.Chinese Hamster (Cricetulus griseus) 6.Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) 7.Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) 8.Dog (Canis familiaris) 9.Cat (Felis catus) 10. All non human primates 11.Frogs [Xenopus (laevis, tropicalis), Rana (temporaria, pipiens)] 12.Zebra Fish (Danio rerio) Directive 2010/63/UE

7. Interesting to note that the Quail disappeared from the list!!!!

9. An important point. In Annex VI List of points to be mentioned in any experimental protocol: …….. 10. Housing, husbandry and care conditions for the animals. ……...

10. In terms of husbandry, caging etc.

12. Rats

13. Rabbits

14. The scientific issue of welfare Is a matter of performance standard of the equipment. In other words it means: the study of any impact due to the housing environment on animal welfare

15. Welfare indicators appearance, body weight, coat condition, posture, gait, activity levels, interaction with the environment and clinical signs, feeding behaviour, drinking behaviour, defecation, Urination, cortisole, breeding performances….

17. TIZ-BIFO European Guidelines on IVCs

18. Conclusions The new European Legislation is focusing on animal welfare at 360 degree, directly (animal housing, environment etc.) and indirectly through the request for specialized dedicated staff. The only apparent limited changes in the new legislation represents a revolution in the approach to animal experiment.