Abstract
Federal regulations mandate the minimization of both pain and distress in laboratory animals. That no clear definition exists for 'distress' complicates its recognition, quantification, and alleviation. The author argues that IACUCs and investigators should shift their focus from pain to distress, and that in doing so both problems will be better dealt with. She discusses criteria for defining 'significant' distress, and offers suggestions for the conduct of studies to determine levels of distress.
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References
Animal Welfare Act as Amended (7 USC 2131–2159).
Distress. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2005–2006). Accessed 6 Feb 2006. Available at: http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/distress.
Interagency Research Animal Committee. U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training (Office of Science and Technology Policy, Washington, DC, 1985).
9 CFR, Chapter 1, Subchapter A—Animal Welfare, Parts 1–4.
National Research Council. Recognition and Alleviation of Pain and Distress in Laboratory Animals (National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 1992).
National Research Council. Guidelines for the Care and Use of Mammals in Neuroscience and Behavioral Research (National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2003).
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Koch, V. Pain and distress: what really matters?. Lab Anim 35, 27–32 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban0506-27
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/laban0506-27