Animal Welfare Information Center Newsletter Provided by the Animal Welfare Information Center United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library

January-March 1992 Vol 3, No. 1

ISSN: 1050-561X

Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources - ILAR

by

Mara Aimone, Program Assistant
Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences

The Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) has served a vital function in the scientific community for 40 years. ILAR provides expert counsel on laboratory animals and writes guidelines for their care and use. As the public focuses more on animal care issues, the resources and services ILAR provides have become increasingly more important.

ILAR is a part of the Commission on Life Sciences within the National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences. It acts as a coordinating agency and international resource for compiling and disseminating information on laboratory animals, promoting education, planning and conducting conferences and symposia, and promoting high-quality humane care of laboratory animals. With oversight provided by a 14-member council, ILAR continually seeks to initiate, strengthen, refine, and redirect programs to address a variety of issues. Topics include management of various species used in research (including those with experimentally induced diseases or defects); refinement of research methodologies through the selection and use of appropriate models; preservation of unique genetic stocks of research animals; recognition and alleviation of pain; and training and education of those involved in the use of animals in research and education, including those at the high school level. ILAR also seeks to give guidance to institutional officials and Animal Care and Use Committees. In the international arena, ILAR serves as the U.S. representative to the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science (ICLAS), for which ILAR's goal is to disseminate educational materials to developing nations.

Looking Back

As ILAR celebrates its 40th anniversary, a look back demonstrates how its focus has evolved. ILAR originated at a conference on animal procurement, called in July 1952, to investigate the need for an organization devoted to þthe betterment of quality and quantity in test animalsþ (ILAR News, 1(1):2, 1957). From this conference, a committee on animal procurement was formed. By January 1953, the committee was reorganized into a permanent entity þ the Institute of Animal Resources. For clarity, in 1956 the name was changed to the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources.

ILAR's mission originally centered primarily on improving procurement and production of laboratory animals. More knowledge about the care and use of laboratory animals, combined with increased government and public scrutiny of laboratory animal care, has expanded ILAR's original goals. Today, ILAR's mission is to provide expert counsel on the scientific, technological, and ethical use of laboratory animals.

ILAR Programs

The ILAR Council forms the backbone of the program. Members of this standing committee are appointed by the chairman of the National Research Council. They are all experts in laboratory animal medicine, genetics, medicine, bioethics, or other scientific disciplines. The council meets biannually to review current programs, provide advice on all aspects of existing ILAR programs, and formulate plans for initiating new programs. Steven P. Pakes, D.V.M., Ph.D., chairman of the Division of Comparative Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, chairs the ILAR Council. Committees of experts appointed by the National Research Council write ILAR reports and conduct ILAR programs. A separately appointed review committee reviews these reports and programs. ILAR reports provide a framework for governmental and institutional animal care and use policies.

ILAR Reports

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the Laboratory Animal Management Series

ILAR's best known document is the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide). Since 1963, the Guide has served as the standard reference on the care and use of laboratory animals.

Soon to be revised for the sixth time, it serves as the reference document for the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care also uses the tenets of the Guide to evaluate the animal facilities of institutions seeking accreditation.

The Guide is a continually evolving document, subject to change as knowledge in laboratory animal science increases. Its guidelines are based on established scientific principles; expert opinion; and experience with methods and practices consistent with humane, high-quality animal care, interpreted and applied with professional judgment. All government agencies require that grantees and contractors using live, warm-blooded vertebrates in research adhere to these guidelines. During the past 28 years, more than 300,000 copies have been distributed worldwide.

Even earlier than the Guide, ILAR published the first of a family of documents that evolved into the Laboratory Animal Management Series. The series complements the Guide by providing species-specific management information for a variety of animals including rodents, cats, dogs, nonhuman primates, and wild birds.

To ensure that the guidelines reflect the most recent knowledge in laboratory animal science, ILAR periodically updates these documents.

Preservation of Laboratory Animal Resources

Valuable and unique genetic stocks, of which transgenic animals are becoming most notable, are the backbone of modern cellular biology, molecular genetics, and other areas of science. The loss of these resources, documented by a recently completed ILAR report entitled Important Laboratory Animal Resources: Selection Criteria and Funding Mechanisms for Their Preservation, is of continuing concern. Embryo and gamete freezing technology is available for some animals; however, the cost of preparing the material for freezing, maintaining the frozen embryos and gametes, and reconstituting living animals must be weighed against the cost of maintaining a small breeding colony. ILAR's report calls attention to these problems, provides examples of genetic materials and unique strains that have been lost, suggests criteria for assessing the relative importance of a stock, and recommends long-term approaches to minimize these losses. Important Laboratory Animal Resources: Selection Criteria and Funding Mechanisms for Their Preservation appeared in the fall 1990 issue of ILAR News. Single copies are available free of charge from ILAR.

Other Recent Reports

Infectious Diseases of Mice and Rats, published in 1991, is a comprehensive text about infectious diseases and their potentially complicating effect on research. The Companion Guide to Infectious Diseases of Mice and Rats, a compact reference guide, is included with the purchase of the full manual. Immunodeficient Rodents: A Guide to Their Immunobiology, Husbandry, and Use was published by the National Academy Press in September 1989. This 246-page report discusses hereditary and induced immunodeficiencies, maintenance of rodents with immune deficiencies, and mating systems for reproducing these models. These books are available from the National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20418. Tel: 800/624-6242 or 202/334-3313.

Ongoing Programs

ILAR News

An important part of ILAR's effort is the publication of the quarterly journal ILAR News, which is circulated free of charge to more than 4,500 individuals and libraries worldwide. In addition to investigators, veterinarians, and technicians, circulation is targeted to reach institutional officials, institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) members, and biomedical scientists.

ILAR News includes peer-reviewed articles on new animal models, refinements, or alternatives and discussions on considerations of both the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. This section, State of the Art, is occasionally followed by opinions or rebuttals. Each issue includes Issues for IACUCs and contains articles on topics relevant to IACUC members including implementation of Federal regulations; management information; alternatives; animal care; humane concerns; and the use of animals in research, testing, and education. ILAR News regularly includes items on new models, changes in nomenclature, announcements about future meetings, educational programs, workshop reports, new books, and other relevant announcements. Frequently, ILAR News contains individually authored documents or reports from ILAR committees as bound inserts þa rapid, cost-effective means of disseminating information not readily available elsewhere.

Animal Models and Genetic Stocks Information Program

ILAR's most frequently used, and perhaps its most important ongoing service to the biomedical community, is the Animal Models and Genetic Stocks Information Program. ILAR has developed a computerized database containing information on U.S. commercial and investigator-held colonies of both commonly and uncommonly used laboratory animals. ILAR annually responds to hundreds of requests for information on sources of animals for laboratory investigation; appropriate animal models for studying human diseases and normal biologic phenomena; animal care and treatment; and the use of animals in research, testing, and education. This database will be used to publish the 11th edition of Animals for Research þA Directory of Sources, which is widely used by institutions to locate research animals. On behalf of the International Committee on Standardized Genetic Nomenclature for Mice, ILAR assigns and distributes laboratory registration codes, which are used to identify specific substrains and sublines of genetically defined rodents and rabbits, and provides information on nomenclature, in response to individual inquiries.

Upcoming Reports

Recognition and Alleviation of Pain and Distress in Laboratory Animals

To be released by the National Academy Press this summer, Recognition and Alleviation of Pain and Distress in Laboratory Animals, is a handbook of species-specific approaches to the prevention, recognition, and alleviation of pain and distress in laboratory animals for investigators, veterinarians, research directors, animal care and use committees, and technicians. The report addresses pain-induced and non-pain-induced stress in laboratory animals; clearly defines pain, stress, and distress; emphasizes the importance of distress; and discusses species-typical signs of pain and its pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical alleviation. It also highlights deficiencies in our knowledge of animal well-being and species-typical behavior, especially regarding the interaction of an animal with its environment.

Psychological Well-Being of Nonhuman Primates

ILAR is convening a committee to develop guidelines for institutions required by the 1985 Animal Welfare Act amendment to þprovide a physical environment suitable to ensure the psychological well-being of nonhuman primatesþ (Public Law 99-198, the Food Security Act of 1985). There has been a great deal of confusion about the definition of þpsychological well-being,þ and the guidance from this committee will serve to provide a point of reference for institutional programs and for Federal inspectors of those programs.

The committee will review current understanding of the cognitive abilities of nonhuman primates and identify and evaluate both the environmental variables that are believed to be most influential in affecting well-being and the behavioral and physiological measures believed to be objective indices of well-being. It will also develop recommendations and procedures for individualizing institutional plans consistent with Federal law, suggest priorities for future research, and develop a relevant bibliography on psychological well-being.

Committee on Transgenic Nomenclature

The Committee on Transgenic Nomenclature has prepared a set of rules for standardized nomenclature for transgenic animals based on internationally accepted nomenclature for genetically defined mice. In addition, the committee is recommending ways to disseminate the rules and to encourage their use. For example, the chairman of the International Committee on Standardized Genetic Nomenclature for Mice is a member of the Committee on Transgenic Nomenclature and will recommend that the international committee adopt the rules.

The nomenclature will be incorporated into the transgenic mouse database at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the mouse genome database at the Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine. Following NRC review, the report will be published in ILAR News.

ILAR also intends to undertake a large project to prepare guidelines for colony management of transgenic mice and other transgenic animals; suggest methods of preserving these unique resources; and recommend policies and procedures for their development, use, and disposition.

Definition, Nomenclature, and Conservation of Rat Strains

With the increased use of genetically defined rat strains as research models has come the realization that problems associated with selecting and obtaining rat strains can significantly affect research. ILAR has established a seven-member committee comprised of well-known experts in rat genetics from the United States, Japan, and Europe to address these problems. These include improper use of standardized nomenclature; lack of criteria for ensuring genetic quality, sharing strains, and preserving unique genetic stocks; and lack of communication between rat geneticists and investigators who use rats in other fields of research. Resolution of these problems requires an international forum because rat stocks and data obtained from studying these stocks are shared worldwide. The report of the committee will include as an appendix the rules for nomenclature for transgenic animals and will be published in ILAR News.

Other Upcoming Reports

The ILAR Council has endorsed the following reports to be initiated in 1992: a revision of the Guide; a study of occupational safety and health of personnel in research animal facilities; and a revision of Dogs and Rodents in the Laboratory Animal Management Series. Other laboratory animal management documents being considered for revision include those on nonhuman primates, rabbits, swine, amphibians, fowl, and fish.

For more information about ILAR's programs and availability of publications, or to access the Animal Models and Genetic Stocks Information Program, please contact ILAR, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20418. Tel: 202/334-2590.

Editor's Corner

Continuing education is a theme that should be central to maintaining an effective animal care and use program. Persons responsible for coordinating training programs understand the challenge of balancing the time constraints of animal and care use

personnel while providing opportunities for continuing education. Likewise, animal care and use personnel must be responsible for using up-to-date information and schedule time to attend training sessions.

Continuing education (CE) is only as effective as the materials and medium used to construct the program. Mara Aimone, Program Assistant at the Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR), provides information on the development of resource materials on laboratory animal care and use. ILAR is but one of the many information resources where materials can be obtained for CE. The second half of the CE equation involves the creation of a program in which to transfer knowledge. Dr. Roger Maickel, Director of the Laboratory Animal Program, and Dr. Anne Fitzgerald, Laboratory Animal Veterinarian, Purdue University, write about the development and implementation of the CE program at Purdue.

Two new members--Tim Allen and Mike Kreger--have recently joined the AWIC staff (see AWIC Staff Changes p.6). They will, respectively, bring expertise in the areas of toxicological/pharmaceutical research, and exotic species and wildlife. Both have extensive backgrounds in animal care and husbandry and are a welcome addition to our staff.

This is my last newsletter. In March I am leaving the AWIC staff to assume a faculty appointment at Kansas State University. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this newsletter as well as being a member of the AWIC staff. Tim Allen will be taking over the helm as editor, with Mike Kreger assisting, and I wish them the best of luck!

Janice Swanson, Editor

Development Of Personnel Training - Experiences At Purdue University

by

Anne L. Fitzgerald, DVM, Laboratory Animal Veterinarian
and
Roger P. Maikel, PhD, Director, Laboratory Animal Program

Arguments for curtailing animal research are based, in part, on the premise that investigators using animals are not adequately trained. To address public concerns about training, USDA's Animal Welfare Act regulations, Public Health Service (PHS) policy, and American Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) standards (see vol. # 2 no. 3/4 AWIC Newsletter for information on AAALAC) require that training be provided for all animal research personnel. However, these agencies do not describe how training is to be provided or how to document participation.

These decisions have been left to each of the research facilities registered under the Animal Welfare Act, receiving PHS funding, and/or accreditation by AAALAC.

Program Challenges

There are many challenges for the educator faced with the task of providing training. A training program must provide information that is correct, fresh, relevant, up to date, helpful, and presented in a variety of formats. Training should be offered in a comfortable, nonthreatening environment and the trainer should not be perceived as an enforcer of regulatory compliance.

Participants educational backgrounds and fields of specialization vary widely. Some have less than a high school education while others have one (or more) doctoral degrees. Offering information to groups at either extreme, or to mixed groups, can be difficult, and may even be intimidating. Mandatory participation in specific training sessions is sometimes poorly received, but participation needs to be strongly encouraged.

Establishing a training program at an institution where the animal facilities are decentralized poses additional problems such as how to effectively reach individuals in many departments in separate buildings or even different campuses. Simply making audiovisual and written materials available at campus library locations may result in very little usage (as was the case at our institution) unless such usage is stimulated.

Training Course

At Purdue University, the animal research training program is evolving and building upon itself. It began with an annual, non-credit, on-the-job training course. The course consists of a lecture and a laboratory designed to assist technicians in preparing for the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification examinations (see vol.2 no. 3/4 AWIC Newsletter for more information on AALAS). Costs were assumed by the Laboratory Animal Program/Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, known as the Purdue Animal Care and Use Committee (PACUC). Employees are given paid time off from work to attend this training. Participants often include graduate students, research assistants, and animal care technicians. The course has had a consistent level of participation and has resulted in the participants achieving good passing rates on the AALAS certification exams.

The PACUC Newsletter

The development of the PACUC Newsletter was another early accomplishment of the training program. The newsletter is sent to animal research personnel at all levels, from entry-level caretakers to principal investigators and administrators. The newsletter's mailing list presently contains over 500 names.

The mailing list became the key to reaching personnel, particularly principal investigators. It was developed by having each person whose name appears on an animal research protocol application fill out a qualification form and return it to the PACUC office. The form contains queries regarding the individual's experience, skills, research activities, the species with which the person has worked, etc. The information is transferred to a personnel database from which the mailing list is generated. Lists of people with a particular interest(s) can also be generated. This allows for additional mailings to be directed to a specific group(s).

The CE Bulletin

The PACUC Continuing Education Bulletin (CE Bulletin) has also been initiated and directed primarily to principal investigators; it covers topics in greater depth than the PACUC Newsletter. The CE Bulletin includes topics on regulations, methods of doing a literature search, alternatives to LD50 toxicity testing, species information, and handling of biohazardous materials.

CE Bulletins are sent only to persons whose names appear on the mailing list with indication(s) of interest or need for relevant information on the specific topic(s) contained within each bulletin. The bulletin is limited to one sheet (front and back) which is considered the maximum length the average individual will read while going through his or her daily mail. A cover sheet is supplied for the reader to sign and return to document that the bulletin was read. The returned cover sheets are used to record the reader's continuing education effort into the personnel database.

Participation has been excellent, especially by principal investigators. Comments from CE Bulletin readers have been both constructive and positive.

Graduate Student Training

Having found methods of making training and current information available to animal care personnel, animal research technicians (the annual training course) and principal investigators (CE Bulletins), the remaining group not adequately reached were the graduate students. Aware that a number of institutions offer graduate-level courses in the use and care of laboratory animals, a similar course was developed at Purdue. A syllabus was drawn up for a one-credit graduate-level course. Since the Laboratory Animal Program is not an academic department at Purdue University, the course was formally proposed and approved through the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology within the School of Veterinary Medicine. For approval at the university-wide graduate level, the course was evaluated by an area committee and then recommended for approval by the University Graduate Council (UGC).

After extensive discussion by the UGC, the course (VPB 540) was given final approval. The entire approval process took approximately 9 months.

þThe Use and Care of Laboratory Animalsþ course is open to graduate students of any school or department who plan to use or are using animals in their research. Enrollment is not a prerequisite for using animals; however, departments have the option of making the course a requirement. Lecture topics include:
-history of animal research
-regulatory agencies and compliance
-ethics of animal experimentation (presented by Dr. Lilly-Marlene Russow from the philosophy department)
-statistical considerations and methods
-animal models and alternatives
-pain: the proper use of anesthetics, analgesics, and tranquilizers
-euthanasia -survival surgery and perioperative care
personnel hygiene and occupational health and safety -biohazards
-a critical review of mock protocols
-biology, husbandry, techniques, and diseases of common laboratory animal species.

At present, the course does not include a laboratory; however, instructional videotapes are utilized and a laboratory may be added in the future.

In addition to formal programs, there are other forums for providing continuing education at Purdue University. Each year a half-day orientation session is held for new graduate students and investigators. Basic training sessions are also held within departments, usually in conjunction with a faculty meeting or as a one-on-one technique training/consultation with a veterinary technologist or a laboratory animal veterinarian.

With the initiation of the graduate-level course, the Laboratory Animal Program now has workable methods for reaching out to diverse groups of who work with animals at Purdue. A continuing goal is to make it worthwhile for people to participate by effectively presenting useful information.

Questions about Purdue's continuing education program may be addressed to: Anne L. Fitzgerald, D.V.M., Laboratory Animal Program, SCC-D, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, Tel: (317) 494-9163.

Legislation Update

H.R. 4124 To amend the Poultry Products Inspection Act to require the slaughter of poultry products in accordance with humane methods.

Introduced January 28, 1992, by Andrew Jacobs (D-IND), and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry on February 3, 1992. This act may be cited as the "Humane Methods of Poultry Slaughter Act of 1992."

Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act to include a new subsection entitled "Humane Methods of Slaughter" which states that poultry shall be processed only in accordance with humane methods described in the "Federal Humane Slaughter Act" of August 27, 1958.

H.Con.Res. 256 A concurrent resolution to express the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to support the full protection of the African elephant. Introduced November 26, 1991, by James Scheuer (D-NY), and referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment on December 11, 1991. Congress supports the continued protection of the African elephant through the unqualified listing of all populations of the African elephant on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

H.R. 4045 A bill to reauthorize and amend the Endangered Species Act in order to strengthen programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species, and for other purposes.

Introduced November 26, 1991, by Gerry Studds (D-MA), and referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment on December 9, 1991. This act may be cited as the "Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1992." A broad set of amendments aimed at improving the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act in conserving threatened and endangered species.

Amendments include recovery plans for listed endangered and threatened species, penalties and enforcement guidelines, regulations to carry on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, habitat conservation plans, and authorization of appropriations.

H.R. 3718 To provide remedies for consumers who purchase unfit dogs from pet dealers.

Introduced November 6, 1991, by Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness on November 18, 1991. This act may be cited as the "Puppy Protection Act." Provides recourse for consumers who purchase unfit dogs from pet stores or commercial breeders.

P.L. 102-212 To establish the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge along the Connecticut River, and for other purposes.

Passed December 11, 1991. This act may be cited as the "Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Act." The Silvio O. Conte

National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is established to conserve, protect, and enhance the Connecticut River valley populations of wildlife; to protect species listed as endangered or threatened; to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of wetlands; and to provide opportunities for scientific research, environmental education, and fish and wildlife-oriented recreation.

by

Cynthia Smith, Info. Specialist
Staff Changes At AWIC

There is nothing more certain in life than change. As with life, change is happening at AWIC as well. One of the original AWIC staff members will be departing for new challenges in March and two new staff members arrived in February.

Janice Swanson, Ph.D., who has made invaluable contributions to the Center since 1986, will be leaving AWIC on March 27 to take a faculty appointment with Kansas State University's (KSU) Department of Animal Science and Industry. At KSU, Janice will be responsible for teaching a course in animal behavior, developing a course on farm animal welfare, and integrating animal welfare concepts into other relevant activities. As Associate Director of the International Livestock Program, Janice will assist with the administration of programs designed to transfer technology and the production of information relevant to all aspects of animal production.

While at AWIC, Janice used her broad knowledge of animals and the issues surrounding their use to help develop the guidelines for NAL collection development and indexing policies. She provided excellent and thorough reference service to patrons, produced many resource documents, edited the newsletter, and participated in the development and teaching of the workshop on how to address the information requirements of the Animal Welfare Act. Her loyalty, creativity, intelligence, and good humor will be missed. We wish Janice the best of luck.

The two new staff members that have recently joined the staff are Tim Allen and Mike Kreger. Tim and Mike broaden the educational, work experience, and knowledge of issues that exist in the collective knowledge of the staff.

Tim Allen has B.S. degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of Maryland (UM). He also received an M.S. in 1988 from UM. His graduate studies were in avian physiology. He has had considerable experience in a variety of research using farm and laboratory species. Tim comes to us from pharmaceutical research where he was a receptor pharmacologist in the area of central nervous system disorders. Part of his duties also included examining ways of improving K-12 science education.

Michael Kreger received a B.S. in Conservation and Resource Development, specializing in wildlife management, from UM in 1984. From 1984 to 1986, he served in the Peace Corps in Honduras as a wildlife biologist, working on projects ranging from environmental education to zoo renovation. He continues to work on various psitticine conservation projects in Mexico and Central America as a board member and voluntary investigator for the Center for the Study of Tropical Birds, Inc. Mike was also a mammal keeper at the Bronx Zoo until he returned to UM to attend graduate school. At UM, Mike was a research assistant working on stress physiology and behavior in poultry. He is currently completing his master's degree research on the physiological and behavioral effects of handling and restraint in reptiles.

Both Tim and Mike are welcome additions to our staff. We hope you will continue to take advantage of the staff expertise, services, and information offered by AWIC!

by

Jean Larson, Coordinator

Announcements..

SYMPOSIUM ON ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEES AND ALTERNATIVES

The Associate Dean for Research and the Office for Research Subjects of the Johns Hopkins University's School of Hygiene and Public Health will present a symposium to assist Animal Care and Use Committee members, administrators, and support and resource personnel in their review responsibilities. The program will address concepts of alternatives in the use of animals in education, research, and testing; research models using various alternatives; the regulatory requirements for alternatives; alternatives as an ethical issue for ACUCs; the role of ACUCs in precollege education; and resources. The symposium will be held on June 18, 1992, at the Stouffer Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, MD. For information contact the Office of Continuing Education, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 720 Rutland Avenue, Turner 20, Baltimore, MD 21205-2195. Phone (410) 955-2959, FAX (410)955-0807.

WORLD CONGRESS ON ALTERNATIVES AND ANIMAL USE

A World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences Education, Research and Testing is being planned by a consortium of scientists representing the geographical areas of Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Continent, North America, and the Pacific Rim.

The purpose of the Congress is to:

Review the progress made toward refining, reducing, and replacing the use of animals in education, research, and safety testing.

Develop a realistic understanding of the validity and status of alternatives.

Create the understanding that in research-animal use clinical studies and in vitro methods (alternatives) advance science and our basic understanding of biology and disease.

Develop a dialogue between the animal welfare movement and the scientific community.

The Congress program will address issues of interest to an international audience of academic researchers, corporate scientists, government regulators, educators, and the public. There will be 5 days of lectures, workshops, roundtable discussions, and point/counter point sessions covering issues of alternatives and animal use in education, research testing, and ethics, as well as scientific posters and trade exhibitions.

For more information, please contact:

WORLD CONGRESS
Office of Continuing Education
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
720 Rutland Avenue, Turner 20
Baltimore, Maryland 21205-2195
USA
Telephone (410) 955-2959
FAX: (410) 955-0807

ILAR REPORT ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES

Comments Invited

The Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR), National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences invites your comments pursuant to the development of recommendations on the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates.

ILAR has been asked by NIH and the USDA to develop recommendations suitable for use by institutions required to þdevelop, document, and follow an appropriate plan for environment enhancement adequate to promote the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates.þ The task originates from Federal legislation (Public Law 99-198, the Food Security Act of 1985) that requires institutions to þprovide a physical environment suitable to ensure the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates. þ The report will be written by a committee appointed by the National Academy of Sciences and published by the National Academy Press. The charge to the committee will be to review the current understanding of the cognitive abilities of nonhuman primates; identify and evaluate the environmental variables that are believed to be most influential in affecting the well-being and the behavioral and physiological measures believed to be objective indices of well-being; develop recommendations and procedures for individualizing institutional plans consistent with Federal law; suggest priorities for future research; and develop a relevant bibliography on psychological well-being.

Written comments of a specific or general nature are invited. They might address, for example, practices believed to be either effective or ineffective in promoting the well-being of nonhuman primates, institutional programs that implement these practices, or the process by which the programs and the animals' well-being are evaluated. Copies of specific institutional plans are invited.

Correspondence should be addressed to: Committee on Psychological Well-Being of Nonhuman Primates, ILAR, National Research Council, NAS 347, 2101 Constitution Avenue, N. W. Washington, DC 20418.

TECHNIQUES IN LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE

Call for Abstracts

Time and Place: July 3, 4 and 5, 1992, at the Jeanne Timmins Amphitheater and seminar rooms Montreal Neurological Institute, 3801 University Street, Montreal (Quebec), Canada.

The Montreal Regional Chapter of the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science will host a bilingual scientific forum whereby animal technicians at all levels of training can get involved and exchange ideas and techniques as they relate to laboratory animal science. Abstracts and posters covering issues or techniques in laboratory animal care and husbandry are invited.

In addition, there will be several international guest speakers, social events, drawings, awards, and prizes.

Abstracts of less than 200 words may be submitted in either English or French by April 15, 1992. Presentations can be structured for either a 10- or 25-minute oral presentation or a poster presentation. Since the purpose of the symposium is to encourage participation and the exchange of information from technicians at all levels of training, presentations and posters which have been offered elsewhere and are scientifically sound, will be accepted.

For more information, please contact Janette Green, Chairperson, Conference Organizing Committee, at (514) 398-1960 or (514)982-6526.

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES ANNOUNCES THE RUSSELL AND BURCH AWARD NOMINATIONS

The Humane Society of the United States announces the availability of an annual award of $5,000 to researchers or educators who have made outstanding contributions toward the advancement of alternative methods in the area of biomedical research, testing, or higher education. Alternative methods are considered in the broad sense of the 3R'sþreplacement (replacing in vivo vertebrate methods with other techniques), reduction (modifying procedures so that fewer animals suffice), and refinement (modifying procedures so that animals experience less pain or suffering).

This awards program is a means of recognizing the important role that scientists and educators can play in reducing science's reliance on animal subjects. The award is named in honor of scientists W.M. Russell and R.L. Burch, who first articulated the 3R's approach.

Send nominations and inquiries to: Martin L. Stephens, Ph.D., Vice President/Laboratory Animals, The HSUS, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. No special forms are necessary. Persons nominating themselves should include supporting documents such as a curriculum vitae and relevant publications. Persons nominating others should arrange to have such documents forwarded, if possible.

WORKSHOP ON INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS AND THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT

The Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC) will hold a workshop on þInformation Requirements and the Animal Welfare Actþ on September 17 and 18, 1992, at the National Agricultural Library (NAL), Beltsville, Maryland. This 1 1/2 day class will provide an introduction to NAL, AWIC and information requirements of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Included in the class will be the opportunity to learn database search techniques. Individuals responsible for meeting the information needs of the AWA are invited to apply. There is a limit of 10 people. Please contact AWIC at (301)504-6212 to request registration materials.

NEW PUBLICATIONS

Implementation Strategies for Research Animal Well-being

Baltimore was the site for a December 5-6, 1991, conference sponsored by the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW) and Working for Animals used in Research, Drugs, and Surgery (WARDS),Inc. A detailed summary of the proceedings of þImplementation Strategies for Research Animal Well-Beingþ will be published in late March 1992.

The two-day conference focused on the revised Part 3 USDA regulations about the humane and responsible care and use of nonhuman primates and canines in research. Conference speakers specifically addressed strategies that institutions have developed to meet or exceed the requirements in the regulations that carry out the intent of the Animal Welfare Act.

The presentations covered topics such as strategies for small groups of dogs, biosafety issues when handling primates, enrichment strategies for nonhuman primates, planning, implementation and monitoring, and the differences in handling and providing care for large versus small colonies of primates. There was a lively exchange of ideas during the question and answer periods, and these will be included in the publication.

For more information contact the SCAW office. Lee Krulisch, tel: (301)654-6390

ANIMAL WELFARE

The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare is pleased to announce its new quarterly international scientific journal, Animal Welfare. Roger Ewbank, Director of UFAW and Editor-in-Chief, says that the intent of the journal þ...is to bring together the results of high-quality scientific research and technical studies that will have direct benefit on the welfare of animals kept on farms, in laboratories, in zoos, as companions or as managed by man in the wild. The journal will act as a focus for the advancement of the science and technology of animal welfare and help ensure that the relevant knowledge becomes more readily available where needed. þ Animal Welfare is designed to be used by all concerned with the management, care, and welfare of animals. It will contain original scientific and technical reports, short communications, interpretive and review articles along with factual animal welfare-oriented materials. For subscription and/or manuscript submission information, contact: UFAW, 8 Hamilton Close, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3QD UK. Phone 0707 58202 Fax: 0707 49279.

LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE SERIES II

This program is designed for independent study or group presentation. It consists of several series of slides and audiotapes, accompanied by a written description of each slide. It is also available in 1/2" VHS video recording form. The series focuses on rabbits and is divided into several topic areas:
- Care and management in a laboratory setting
- Bacterial and mycotic diseases
- Introduction to use in research
- Biology
- Parasitic, protozoal, and viral diseases
- Noninfectious diseases

The Laboratory Animal Medicine and Science Series II was developed for the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM). Portions of the project have been funded by a grant from the National Agricultural Library.

The series is produced and distributed through the Health Sciences Center for Educational Resources, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195.

PRIMATE-TALK þ A DISCUSSION FORUM FOR PRIMATOLOGY

The Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center (WRPRC) at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, USA, is pleased to announce the availability of a new electronic mail listserver called PRIMATE-TALK, an open forum for the discussion of primatology and related subjects. Subject matter may include, but is not limited to:
- News items
- Meeting announcements
- Research issues
- Information requests
- Veterinary/husbandry topics
- Job notices
- Animal exchange information
- Book reviews

People with Internet, BITNET, or UUCP addresses can communicate with PRIMATE-TALK. Users of other networks should contact the WRPRC. If you are interested in joining PRIMATE-TALK, send a message to PRIMATE-TALK-REQUEST@PRIMATE.WISC.EDU stating that you would like to sign on. Messages to the list are sent to PRIMATE-TALK@PRIMATE.WISC.EDU. If you have questions about electronic access to the list, you may call Larry Jacobsen, Head of Library Services at the WRPRC Library at (608) 263-3512, or FAX at (608) 263-4031. You may also write to the WRPRC Library, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715-1299, USA.

PRIMATE AUDIOVISUALS RESOURCE

The Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center Library holdings provide a source of slides, films, and videos on many primate species and activities, both in the wild and in captivity. This vast resource of over 5,000 slides and 400 videos is available to teachers, scientists, researchers, and the general public. There is a minimal borrower's fee for those individuals outside of the University of Wisconsin. The catalog of holdings entitled Audiovisual Resources in Primatology is available from the Center.

Published periodically, the PRIMATE LIBRARY REPORT: AUDIOVISUAL ACQUISITIONS lists recent audiovisual acquisitions. Send inquiries and requests for loan of materials to: Larry Jacobsen, Primate Center Library, Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715-1299. Phone: (608) 263-3512, FAX: (608) 263-4031, Internet: library@primate.wisc.edu.

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY OF PRIMATOLOGY

The Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, is compiling the first International Directory of Primatology. This directory will encompass a broad range of organizations which have an active role in this field. The purpose of the directory is to improve communication and to foster cooperative research, training opportunities, and the sharing of resources. So far questionnaires have been returned by over 150 organizations. Publication is slated for May 1992.

Included in the directory will be primate centers and related primate research programs, societies, associations, foundations, government agencies, Species Survival Plans/Captive Breeding Specialist Group's and other agencies or programs related to primatology. Any organization related to the field which has not received a questionnaire but would like to be represented in the directory should contact Larry Jacobsen, Project Coordinator, at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715-1299. Phone: 608-263-3512, FAX: 608-263-4031.

by D'Anna Berry, Info. Specialist 

Contacting AWIC Staff

Main Line -      (301)504-6212
 
 
 
 Staff Lines -      (301)504-5215          Jean Larson
 
           (301)504-5174          Tim Allen
 
           (301)504-5173          Cynthia Smith
 
           (301)504-5440          D'Anna Berry
 
           (301)504-5563          Mike Kreger
 

TIMELY TOPICS ...

If you have suggestions for topics you would like to have addressed in the AWIC Newsletter, please contact Tim Allen, Editor, at 301-504-5174. AWIC welcomes any suggestions that relate to the humane treatment, proper care, and use of animals.

Legislation Update

H.R. 4124 To amend the Poultry Products Inspection Act to require the slaughter of poultry products in accordance with humane methods.

Introduced January 28, 1992, by Andrew Jacobs (D-IND), and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry on February 3, 1992. This act may be cited as the "Humane Methods of Poultry Slaughter Act of 1992."

Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act to include a new subsection entitled "Humane Methods of Slaughter" which states that poultry shall be processed only in accordance with humane methods described in the "Federal Humane Slaughter Act" of August 27, 1958.

H.Con.R es. 256 A concurrent resolution to express the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to support the full protection of the African elephant. Introduced November 26, 1991, by James Scheuer (D-NY), and referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment on December 11, 1991. Congress supports the continued protection of the African elephant through the unqualified listing of all populations of the African elephant on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

H.R. 4045 A bill to reauthorize and amend the Endangered Species Act in order to strengthen programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species, and for other purposes.

Introduced November 26, 1991, by Gerry Studds (D-MA), and referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment on December 9, 1991. This act may be cited as the "Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1992." A broad set of amendments aimed at improving the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act in conserving threatened and endangered species. Amendments include recovery plans for listed endangered and threatened species, penalties and enforcement guidelines, regulations to carry on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, habitat conservation plans, and authorization of appropriations.

H.R. 3718 To provide remedies for consumers who purchase unfit dogs from pet dealers.

Introduced November 6, 1991, by Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness on November 18, 1991. This act may be cited as the "Puppy Protection Act." Provides recourse for consumers who purchase unfit dogs from pet stores or commercial breeders.

P.L. 102-212 To establish the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge along the Connecticut River, and for other purposes.

Passed December 11, 1991. This act may be cited as the "Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Act." The Silvio O. Conte

National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is established to conserve, protect, and enhance the Connecticut River valley populations of wildlife; to protect species listed as endangered or threatened; to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of wetlands; and to provide opportunities for scientific research, environmental education, and fish and wildlife-oriented recreation.

by
Cynthia Smith, Info. Specialist

MEETINGS...

Rodent Surgery in Research and Teaching: Humane, Regulatory and Scientific Issues Concerning the Preoperative, Operative and Postoperative Periods, May 18-19, 1992; Detroit, MI. Contact: (313) 577-7560 - Andrea Lubienski.

Animal Biotechnology: Opportunities & Challenges - The National Agricultural Biotechnical Council 4th Annual Meeting, May 27-30, 1992; College Station, TX. Contact: (409) 847-8921 - Barbara Stowe.

Columbia University þInstitutional Responsibility: Meeting the Intent of Federal Regulations for Animal Care and Use,þ June 18-19, 1992; New York, NY. Contact: (212) 305-3682 - Patrick Dwyer.

Slice of Life, Third Annual User, Contributor & Developer Workshop, June 25-27, 1992; University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT. Contact: (801) 581-8664.

Teratology Society, 32nd Annual Meeting, June 29-July 2, 1992; Boca Raton, FL. Contact: (301) 571-1841 - Alexandra Ventura.

Science Innovation '92, American Association for Advancement of Science, July 21-25, 1992; San Francisco, CA. Contact: (202) 326-6462 - Scott Pierce.

American Chemical Society, þNatural and Derived Pest Management Agents,þ August 9-14, 1992; Snowbird, UT. Contact: (601) 323-2230 - Paul Hedin.

National Institutes of Health Workshop, Idaho State University, August 27-28, 1992; Pocatello, ID. Contact (208) 236-3895 - Jim Peck.

13th International World Congress of EEG and Clinical Neurophysiology and 15th World Congress on Neurology, August 29-September 4, 1993; Vancouver, BC, Canada. Contact: (604) 681-5226 - Donald W. Paty, M.D.

Seventh International Workshop on In Vitro Toxicology, October 5-9, 1992; De Haan, Belgium. Contact: 32-2-477.45.85 - W. Sonck.

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), Southwestern Area Convention. October 15-17, 1992; Ft. Worth, TX. Contact: NSTA (202) 328-0974.

American College of Toxicology, October 22-24, 1992; San Francisco, CA. Contact: (301) 571-1840 - Alexandra Ventura. National Association of Biology Teacher, 1992 National Convention, November 11-15, 1992; Denver, CO. Contact: (703) 471-1134 - Michelle Robbins.

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, November 14-19, 1992; Oakland, CA. Contact: (404) 727-7428 - Julie Fazlollah.

National Science Teachers Association, Eastern Area Convention, November 19-21, 1992; New York, NY. Contact: NSTA (202) 328-0974.

National Science Teachers Association, Southeastern Area Convention, December 10-12, 1992; Charlotte, NC. Contact: NSTA (202) 328-0974.

National Science Teachers Association, NSTA National Convention, April 1-4, 1993; Kansas City, MO. Contact: (202) 328-0974.

World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences, November 14-19, 1993; Baltimore, MD. Contact: (410) 955-2959.

Jennifer Carter, Info. Support D'Anna Berry, Info. Specialist NEW PUBLICATIONS AND UPDATES AVAILABLE FROM AWIC...

Raising Quail, Partridge, Pheasant, Bobwhites, and Ostriches, QB 92-20

BST - Bovine Somatotropin/ Growth Hormone, QB 92-30

PST - Porcine Growth Hormone, QB 92-31

The Well-Being of Agricultural Animals in Biomedical and Agricultural Research (SCAW February 1992)

Selected Readings on the History and Use of Old Livestock Breeds (AWIC January 1992)

Sterilization of Marine Mammal Pool Waters: Theoretical and Health Considerations (APHIS-Tech. Bull. No. 1797)

Guide to Services of the National Agricultural Library

AWIC List of Publications, AWIC Fact Sheet

Contacting AWIC, AWIC Fact Sheet

Databases for Biomedical, Veterinary and Animal Science Resources, AWIC Fact Sheet

Zoonoses: Disease Transmission from Animal to Man, QB92-33

Animal Welfare Legislation and Regulations, QB 92-35

United States Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Library
Newsletter Staff, Room 205
Beltsville, MD 20705

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ANIMAL WELFARE INFORMATION CENTER NEWSLETTER
ISSN 1050-561X

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ANIMAL WELFARE INFORMATION CENTER NEWSLETTER (ISSN 1050-561X) is published quarterly and distributed free of charge by the National Agricultural Library. The Animal Welfare Information Center Newsletter provides current information on laboratory animal welfare to investigators, technicians, administrators, and the public. Mention of commercial enterprises or brand names does not constitute endorsement or imply preference by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Articles appearing in this newsletter do not necessarily represent positions or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any agency thereof.

Janice Swanson, Ph.D., Editor

D'Anna Berry, B.S., LATG., Production and Layout

(301) 504-6212

Animal Welfare Information Center United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library USDA Cooperative Agreement No. 58-0520-5-076 - July, 1995