Introduction in animal research

Question 1

When is an animal experiment allowed?

Answer 1

It is not allowed to test on animals, unless:
- there is no alternative method available
- the law obliges an animal experiment

Question 2

What are important considerations for animal experimentation?

Answer 2

• Usage of non-human vertebrates and chephalopods for purposes described in the EU Directive, with a risk of discomfort for the animal.
• Clear research question
• A procedure must be followed
• Can be invasive or non-invasive
• Purpose described in the EU Directive
• With a known or unknown outcome
• Which may cause the animal a level op pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm equivalent to, or higher than, that caused by the introduction of a needle in accordance with a good veterinary practice.

Question 3

What are purposes that are described by the EU Directive that explain when animals can be used for research?

Answer 3

• Basic research
• Translational or applied research
• By legislation obliged testing of the quality, effectiveness, toxicity and safety of drugs, foodstuffs and feedstuffs and other substances or products.
• Protection of the natural environment in the interests of the health or welfare of human beings or animals
• Research aimed at preservation of the species
• Higher education, or training for the acquisition, maintenance or improvement of vocational skills
• Forensic inquiries

Question 4

Some examples of what animal experiments are used for.

Answer 4

Ok

Question 5

What function do the following institutions have in animal experiments:
- NVWA
- Centrale Commissie Dierproeven (CCD)
- Animal Welfare Body (AWB)
- Animal Ethical Committee (DEC)

Answer 5

• NVWA → oversees if researchers who use animals for their experiments follow the Wet op Dierproeven (WOD) (the law about animal experiments)
• Centrale Commissie Dierproeven (CCD) → commission that grants researchers licences for animal experimentation.
• Animal Welfare Body (AWB) → helps to ensure responsibe animal experimentation policy (lokal level)
• Animal Ethical Committee (DEC) → responsible for approving and monitoring animal research within research institutions (CCD consults with DEC for advice)

Question 6

What is the definition of the 3Rs?

Answer 6

The main goal of the 3Rs is to alter traditional animal experimentation so that animal experimentation is reduced to a minimum whenever possible. The 3Rs are:
- Replacement → methods which avoid or replace the use of animals
- Reduction → methods which minimise the number of animals used per experiment
- Refinement → methods which minimise animal suffering and improve welfare

Question 7

Animal research is tightly regulated by the Dutch and EU law. Name 1 of the authorities that is involved in the approval of a project license.

Answer 7

• CCD (centrale commissie dierproeven)
• AWB (Animal welfare body/instantie voor dierenwelzijn)
• DEC (Dieren experimenten commissie/Animal ethics committee)
• NVWA (Nederlands Voedsel- en Warenauthoriteit)