Consider Alternatives to Using Animals

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When planning your research, consider whether you can achieve your scientific objectives while reducing the number of animals, refining the use of animals by minimizing their pain or distress, or even better, not using them at all.

USDA regulations require that investigators search the scientific literature for alternatives, but if this isn't done until the IACUC approval stage, most researchers will have already determined what animals they are going to use and how.

Considering alternatives during the planning stage gives you enough time to incorporate methods that benefit the animals and the science. It also shows peer reviewers that you are thorough and reduces your chances of a bar to award because of animal welfare concerns.

Limit Animal Use and Discomfort

• Limit animal involvement by using the minimum number required to obtain valid results.
• Use non-animal methods, such as mathematical models, computer simulation, or in vitro biological systems.
• Avoid or minimize animal discomfort, distress, and pain as is consistent with sound scientific practices.
• Use appropriate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia when your procedures will cause more than momentary pain or distress. Do not perform surgical or other painful procedures on non-anesthetized animals.

Resources

• Basic resources for applications involving animals
• National Library of Medicine
  • Bibliography: Alternatives to the Use of Live Vertebrates in Biomedical Research and Testing
  • Index Medicus
  • Medline Plus
  • PubMed
• OLAW useful links -- Alternatives
• OLAW useful links -- Databases

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