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  • Protocol Review
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Response to Protocol Review Scenario: Approval should stand

Lab Animal volume 39, pages 165–166 (2010)Cite this article

The 3Rs, originated by Russell and Burch in 1959 (ref. 1), include replacement of animal models (with non-animal systems or computer simulations), refinement or elimination of unnecessary pain and distress in animals, and reduction of the number of animals used.

The Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals2 and the Animal Welfare Regulations (AWRs)3 require institutions to ensure that investigators consider in essence the 3Rs; this case focuses on reduction. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals4 states that “justification of the species and numbers of animals requested” should be considered in the preparation and review of animal care and use protocols and that “whenever possible, the number of animals requested should be justified statistically.”

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References

  1. Russell, W.M.S. & Burch, R.L. The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique (Methuen, London, 1959).

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  2. Public Health Service. Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals IV, C, 2 and IV, C, 8 (US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, 1986; amended 2002).

  3. Animal Welfare Regulations. Sections 2.31, e, 1; 2.31, e, 2; and 2.31, d, 2 (2005).

  4. Institute for Laboratory Animal Research. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals 10 (National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 1996).

  5. Public Health Service. Principle II. US Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training (US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, 2002).

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  1. Williams is a Clinical Veterinarian & Faculty at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,

    Markeya K. Williams

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  1. Markeya K. Williams
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Williams, M. Response to Protocol Review Scenario: Approval should stand. Lab Anim 39, 165–166 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban0610-165b

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/laban0610-165b

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