3 ms·

Model animals are used in researches mostly due to two reasons: cost, which is always a big hurdle for academic studies; and reproduction, especially for inbred

Model animals are used in researches mostly due to two reasons: cost, which is always a big hurdle for academic studies; and reproduction, especially for inbred mice. The use of inbred mice often is because the behavior and activity of the mice is well-characterized, high availability, and genetically more consistent. However, the second part nowadays is often challenged and they are not that consistently genetically as researches show. For drug development, the very first step is to create an animal model, however, this one also is difficult, since more often than not one cannot generate animal model replicates all symptoms, this could mean a model without the actual cause. I think this is also a reason why genetic studies of diseases nowadays is still a hot field, from there one can make an animal model and test whether that gene is the real cause in more confidence.

Balgair 8y ago
For those that are interested, the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (an the many amendments to it) specifically spell out the animals that can be used for research and testing. There aren't that many of them, hence why rats and mice are so popular, as they are some of the few animals that can be used for testing. The AWA is structured such that all animals are covered by default, and only a few species are specifically excepted. It's an expansive law that also covers herding, meat processing, cosmetics, hunting, etc. In general, the AWA is very restrictive in terms of animal testing for scientific research. Getting exceptions to use an animal for research is very intensive and highly regulated, taking years to get the approval. Getting approval for studies that may involve studying intentional pain, harm, etc to an animal can take up to a decade for approval, and with much study and research on other possible methods. Internal Review Boards (IRBs) are required to include local lay people, clergy, other non-scientists, etc in order to approve a study. Vivariums are also highly regulated and frequently inspected. The US, at least nowadays, takes the welfare of animals extremely seriously with stiff fines and real consequences for breaches and lapses in protocol. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/AC_BlueBook_AWA_FINAL_2017_508comp.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/AC_BlueB... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Welfare_Act_of_1966 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Welfare_Act_of_1966
- toiletfuneral 8y ago
  I wouldn't praise the US too much on this subject: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/05/14/usda-animal-research/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.80faeeec4fd0 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/05/14/usda-...
- mattkrause 8y ago
  While I agree that animal research is well-regulated in the US, many of the details in your comment aren't quite right. The Animal Welfare Act specifies the minimum standards of care for research and exhibition of most species of mammals. Birds, rats, and mice aren't covered by the AWA, nor are "cold-blooded" animals. These are covered by other regulations from the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW; for federally-funded projects) or AAALAC (private funding). Farm animals are also not included, unless they are being exhibited or used for research. The AWA requires research institutes to form an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUCs), which includes scientists as well as clergy and members of the community. This is usually different from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), which regulates research involving human subjects. The idea is admittedly similar though. The AWA does not limit the species involved in research. In theory, you could propose to set up a grizzly bear colony or something and the University of California has (had?) a hyena colony for a while. The IACUC is responsible for making sure that animals receive the care required by the AWA, OLAW, and other standards, so they might turn you down if suitable resources are not available or other, more humane approaches could be used (e.g., use a species that is less affected by captivity).
  - Balgair 8y ago
    Thank you for the clarifications!

Balgair 8y ago

For those that are interested, the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (an the many amendments to it) specifically spell out the animals that can be used for research and testing. There aren't that many of them, hence why rats and mice are so popular, as they are some of the few animals that can be used for testing. The AWA is structured such that all animals are covered by default, and only a few species are specifically excepted. It's an expansive law that also covers herding, meat processing, cosmetics, hunting, etc. In general, the AWA is very restrictive in terms of animal testing for scientific research. Getting exceptions to use an animal for research is very intensive and highly regulated, taking years to get the approval. Getting approval for studies that may involve studying intentional pain, harm, etc to an animal can take up to a decade for approval, and with much study and research on other possible methods. Internal Review Boards (IRBs) are required to include local lay people, clergy, other non-scientists, etc in order to approve a study. Vivariums are also highly regulated and frequently inspected. The US, at least nowadays, takes the welfare of animals extremely seriously with stiff fines and real consequences for breaches and lapses in protocol. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/AC_BlueBook_AWA_FINAL_2017_508comp.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/AC_BlueB... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Welfare_Act_of_1966 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Welfare_Act_of_1966

toiletfuneral 8y ago
I wouldn't praise the US too much on this subject: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/05/14/usda-animal-research/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.80faeeec4fd0 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/05/14/usda-...
mattkrause 8y ago
While I agree that animal research is well-regulated in the US, many of the details in your comment aren't quite right. The Animal Welfare Act specifies the minimum standards of care for research and exhibition of most species of mammals. Birds, rats, and mice aren't covered by the AWA, nor are "cold-blooded" animals. These are covered by other regulations from the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW; for federally-funded projects) or AAALAC (private funding). Farm animals are also not included, unless they are being exhibited or used for research. The AWA requires research institutes to form an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUCs), which includes scientists as well as clergy and members of the community. This is usually different from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), which regulates research involving human subjects. The idea is admittedly similar though. The AWA does not limit the species involved in research. In theory, you could propose to set up a grizzly bear colony or something and the University of California has (had?) a hyena colony for a while. The IACUC is responsible for making sure that animals receive the care required by the AWA, OLAW, and other standards, so they might turn you down if suitable resources are not available or other, more humane approaches could be used (e.g., use a species that is less affected by captivity).
- Balgair 8y ago
  Thank you for the clarifications!