Alternatives: Replacement, Refinement, Reduction

Introduction

An amendment to the U.S.D.A. Regulations (The Food Security Act of 1985, Subtitle F- Animal Welfare P.L. 99-198) requires investigators to consider alternatives to any procedures likely to cause pain or distress in laboratory animals. In interpreting this requirement, the U.S.D.A. has mandated that investigators state what databases were used in your literature searches to verify that alternatives have been incorporated where possible. The concept of alternative is interpreted to include the three R's as defined by Russell and Burch: Reduction, Refinement and Replacement ¹. Investigators always consider alternatives but may be unfamiliar with the concept of the three R's.

Reduction involves using the appropriate number of animals to answer the scientific question posed and avoidance of unnecessary duplication of studies. In your answer to the question on the U.C.A.R. Protocol Review Form about the rationale for number of animals selected (question # 9, Section A), please state statistical and methodological considerations used to determine the number of animals used. The U.C.A.R. encourages investigators to share tissues from euthanized animals whenever possible. Investigators may submit requests for tissues (e.g. organs, blood) to the attending veterinarian or animal care staff. U.C.A.R. approved protocols that may lend well to tissue sharing at euthanasia will be identified. Conservation of animal species and numbers are encouraged.

Refinement of the protocol involves the use of techniques and procedures to reduce pain and distress. Examples include appropriate use of analgesics and anesthetics, appropriate administration of compounds (e.g. correct volumes and routes) and replacement of procedures with less invasive techniques (e.g. imaging vs. surgery, implanted infusion pumps vs. repeated injections).

Replacement of animals with non animal techniques or with animals lower on the taxonomic scale should also be considered.

In response to this mandate, please indicate the database(s) that you search the literature in your area of research that indicate alternatives have been incorporated where possible. Please state the databases in your answers to question #10b. in Section A of the U.C.A.R. protocol. It is recognized that literature searches may not prove current for cutting edge research. The Investigator's experiences at national and international symposia or communications with colleagues are also important when determining viable alternatives. If you would like more information about how to answer the question of alternatives with respect to your research protocols, please contact the U.C.A.R. secretary (x5-1693).

¹ Russel MS, Burch RL, The Principles of Humane Experimental Techniques, Special Edition, Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), 1992, 8 Hamilton Close, South Mimms, Potters Barr, Here EN6 3QD England.