First, we assume that there is a strong scientific justification for housing animals at such a low temperature outside of the recommendations of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide)1. Second, although the description of “gradually adapting” mice to cold temperatures is vague, we presume that the adaptation regimen is acceptable because Ayers was impressed with the data provided by Summers who obviously has experience with the particular environmental condition as a study variable. Nevertheless, housing animals below the recommended temperature is a deviation from the Guide that must be approved by the IACUC on the basis of scientific justification. This deviation also will need to be included in the report of semi-annual program evaluations to the Institutional Official. We can also assume that this study will last for at least 2 weeks on the basis of Ayers' suggestion that the body temperature be recorded weekly in order to assess stress levels of the mice. Other factors that are left unstated include whether the animals will be housed together or individually and whether nesting material will be provided in the cages. These factors definitely affect the animals' thermoregulation.

Although close monitoring of the mice is necessary, Ayers' suggestion of monitoring the body temperature of the mice weekly could add another stressor for the animals. A better option to protect the welfare of the mice is to develop a set of humane endpoints, which are both meaningful and not an obstacle to the research. Those are best developed in collaboration with the veterinarian, as the expert in animal physiology and pathology, and the principal investigator, as the expert of the study topic. Routinely monitoring the body weight of the animals; observing them for hunched posture, unkempt appearance, sunken eyes and declining activity; or creating a body condition scoring sheet are some strategies that could be used.

The question here is whether Ayers was doing her best to protect the welfare of Summers' animals; the answer in our opinion is yes. She has a responsibility as a member of the IACUC to uphold the recommendations of the Guide for the welfare of the animals. She is tasked not only with recognizing instances that could cause pain or distress but also with recommending and initiating changes and alternatives that can improve the outcome for the animals. Summers may feel as though Ayers' questions and suggestions are an obstruction to his research, but Ayers is trying to protect animal welfare by facilitating Summers' ability to carry out high-quality research while complying with regulatory principles.

Return to Protocol Review