ccac training module on: the ethical use and care of farm animals in biomedical research
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CCAC Training Module on: the Ethical Use and Care of Farm Animals in Biomedical Research. www.ccac.ca. Species Applicability. This training module applies to all farm animals used in biomedical research including: dairy and beef cattle sheep goats swine poultry horses - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
CCAC TRAINING MODULE ON: THE ETHICAL USE AND CARE OF FARM ANIMALS
IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
www.ccac.ca
Species Applicability
This training module applies to all farm animals used in biomedical research including: dairy and beef cattle sheepgoats swine poultryhorsesfarmed wildlife
Training Module Goals
Provide an overview of the special care requirements of farm animals in biomedical research
Establish methodology for selecting appropriate farm animal models, as well as endpoints which address animal welfare while achieving scientific goals
Provide investigators with references and resources for the use of farm animals in biomedical research
Basic principles of farm animal welfare, fundamental needs, acquisition, routine handling and specialized procedures and termination of scientific use are covered in the CCAC training
module on: the ethical use and care of farm animals in science (2010)
Training Module Outline
Biomedical research and other applications
Special considerations and challenges
Model selection
Meeting animal needs
Facility and disease control considerations
Example of biomedical application: Medical devices
Farm Animals in Biomedical Research
The purpose of utilizing farm animals in biomedical research and science is to address questions concerning human health
Many applications exist, e.g.:neurological researchdevelopment and testing of pharmaceuticals and
medical devicesreconstructive surgery researchmedical education
Farm Animals in Biomedical Research
Swinee.g., skin grafts or skin testing; reconstructive
surgery
Calvese.g., ventricular assist devices
Chickense.g., production of antibodies in
eggs
Photo courtesy of UBC Animal Welfare Program Photo courtesy of O. ZobelPhoto courtesy of M. Smit
Challenges of Using Farm Animals in Biomedical Research
Scientifically relevant
outcomes
Good animal welfare +
GOAL:
• Consider that agricultural performance and scientific biomedical outcomes may have no relation
• Animal selection and management must be flexible, and made on a case-by-case basis
Consideration for The Three Rs
have replacement and reduction alternatives been considered?
has pain and distress been minimized as much as possible?
Refinement
what is the minimum number of animals needed in order to achieve statistically relevant results?
Reduction
is it possible to use non-animal models?
Replacement
Selecting an Appropriate Farm Animal Model
Husbandry and housing requirements
Availability of information (anatomy, physiology, behaviour)
Suitability to research objectives and experimental conditions
Applicability of resulting data to human physiology
Sentience
Lifespan
Availability in captivity
Tolerance to humans Photo courtesy of M. Smit
Appropriate Models in Relation to Study Duration
Consider growth and life stage in relation to study requirements
Adult human modelsneed physiological, anatomical or biochemical
criteria matchissues: maturity, size, long-term studies difficult
Pediatric Modelsshorter time course to adulthood useful for
answering questions in research timeframe
Other Considerations
Genetic variabilityfarm animals have greater
genetic variability than conventional laboratory animals
consequence: increased
Animal Acquisitionsimilar requirements to conventional research
animals with additional regulations in some cases
variability in treatment response, may require increased number of animals for scientific significance
Photo courtesy of UBC Animal Welfare Program
Meeting Animal Needs in Confinement
Housing constraints and isolation
Negative welfare i
mpacts
Impact interpretation of data
Understanding the needs of animals is necessary to choose an appropriate animal model experimental design should address
the infrastructure needed to meet animal needs
provide exercise every 7 days (minimum)
habituate to handling before study commencement
Photo courtesy of M. Smit
Facilities & Disease Control Considerations
Species-specific husbandry Sanitation and hygiene program to address
animal and human health issuesdedicated equipmentmedical management according to standard
veterinary practicesnecropsy facilities address zoosanitary issues
Zoonoses infection controlparticularly important for “cross-over” agents
Example of a Biomedical Application: Medical Devices Two types of devices
external: may require animal restraint and confinement internal: require on-going short and long-term assessment
strategies
Size and physiological similarities make farm animals good candidates for testing medical devices such as: ventricular assist devices (cardiovascular research) bone implants (endosseous research) implanted cerebral stimulators (neural research)
The testing of medical devices requires careful attention to potential welfare impacts, special care, and endpoint determination
Medical Devices
How do in vivo medical devices impact the animal?
Animal Welfare
Device-Patient
Interfaces(e.g.,
communication with device)
Effect of Device
(e.g., failure)
Device Deployment(e.g., placement inside animal)
Performance Instrumentat
ion(e.g., collecting
data)
Medical Device Testing
Prior to in vivo, test in vitro to ensure intended use is appropriate for target speciesdevices must be designed in the context of intended
use and the target speciesduring design refinement, could use non-survival,
anesthetized animal models
Medical Device Failure & Endpoints
Protocol should include device performance reliability, biocompatibility, device failure and repair strategies
Endpoints should balance the scientific goals and animal welfare, and detail the procedures needed to handle device failure and malfunction minor component – replacement might be an option if repair/replacement of component involves major surgery –
euthanasia may be the most humane endpoint
For further information on endpoints:CCAC guidelines on: choosing an appropriate endpoint in experiments using animals for
research, teaching and testing (1998)CCAC training module on: pain, distress and endpoints
Summary
Farm animals are useful in some biomedical research, as long as the correct model is used
Careful consideration must be given to:balancing animal needs and achieving scientific
goalsunderstanding animal welfare impacts on the
specific biomedical research
Investigators should strive to achieve their scientific goals in line with the best possible animal welfare standards