Animal Welfare Information Center newsletter

18 Pages·1993·1.8 MB·English

by  Animal Welfare Information Center (U.S.)

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Newsletter
April-June 1993 Vol. 4, No. 2 ISSN: 1050-561
Trapped a Cage
in Guilt
Legislation Update
by
ArnoldArluke
• S.734ToamendtheAgricultural The authoris aprofessorin theDepartment ofSociology andAnthropology at
Act of 1949 to require the
Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.
Secretary ofAgriculture to con-
duct a study ofthe economic im-
pact of the use ofbovine growth This article was originallypublish- some conflict over using animals in
hormone on the dairy industry ed in theApril 4, 1992, edition of experiments.
and the Federal milk price sup- New Scientist (Vol 134 #1815). It is
port program, to temporarily reprintedhere with the kindpermis- While most people I studied
prohibit the sale of milk sion ofNew Scientistmagazine. seemed to have come to terms with
produced by cows injected with their use of animals, many had not.
bovine growth hormone, and to I began entering laboratories in Few people had frequent signs of
require that the Secretary of 1985 as an anthropologist depression or anxiety, such as
Agriculture issue regulations might studyvillages in other cul- nightmares, sleep loss, and in-
temporarily requiring records tures. I would "hang out" and be- creased alcohol consumption, that
come almost a native for weeks and they attributed to working with
to be kept by producers regard-
ing the manufacture and sale of sometimes months at a time, so I animals. However, more moderate
bovine growth hormone, and for could describe the culture of and episodic feeHngs of discomfort
other purposes. biomedical research. I watched were common and were expressed
how researchers behaved with as background uneasiness and guilt.
Introduced on April 1, 1993, by animals and with each other, and About 20 percent of the inter-
Russell D. Feingold (D-WI) and asked questions about their work in viewees, for instance, compared
referred to the Committee on everyday conversations and more animal experimentation, however
Agriculture, Nutrition, and formal interviews. In some cases, I tentatively, to the Holocaust. Un-
Forestry. Referred to the Subcom- was even permitted to do some of easiness was particularly noticeable
mittee on Agricultural Research on the work of technicians and among newcomer^; with seasoned
April 12, 1993. This act maybe caretakers, from cleaning cages to workers, it was most common
cited as the "Bovine Growth Hor- carrying out experiments. So far, I among animal caretakers. It ex-
mone Moratorium Act of 1993." have studied 15 laboratories and re- isted among technicians, and was
search centers with around 400 prin- relatively rare among veterinarians
How
During the periodbeginning 30 cipal investigators, veterinarians, and scientists. did re-
days after the date of enactment of postdoctoral and graduate students, searchers live with whatever uneasi-
the Bovine Hormone Moratorium research technicians, and animal ness they felt?
Act of 1993, it shall be unlawful for caretakers. Troublesome Emotions Denied
a person to market for commercial
use milk produced by a cow after What prompted me to conduct
this fieldwork was the controversy Open discussion ofthese feel-
(cont'dp.9)
over the propriety of animal re- ings was taboo. Scientists,
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE... search. While this rapidly intensify- veterinarians, and administrators
ing debate has led to greater regula- tended to deny that laboratory
Aseptic Surgery...p.3 tion ofthe use of animals in the workers could be troubled by their
Alternatives Grants...p.8 laboratory, it struck me that little if use of animals. Uneasiness was not
Announcements...p.11 any attention has been paid to the seen as an issue, and was not al-
UFpDcAoming Meetings...p.13 impact ofexperiments on the lowed to intrude on the normal
Position Paper. 14
..p. people who carry them out. It course ofwork. This attitude was
Electronic Information...p.15 would be naive to think that re-
Free Publications...p.l6 (cont'dp. 2)
searchers might not experience
National Agricultural Library, AWIC, Room 205, Beltsville, MD 20705 Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
]AgricaltnralLibrary
made apparent to me in a firsthand an entire cage was identified by a tle desensitized." In the words of
way. Invited to speak at a conference code that might include the date of one technician: "You have to put up
ofanimal researchers, I chose to call delivery, the researcher's name, the some walls. Sometimes you have to
my talk, "The Experimenter's Guilt." experiment's number, and the create a distance between yourself
I was told that my choice was "too animal's number. These codes were and the animalyou are workingwith.
controversial" and that "Stress clearly displayed on all cages, and But I try occasionally to do some
Among Researchers" would be more the identification numbers ofsome checking to see howbig that dis-
A
palatable. popularjournal about animcJs were marked on their tance is. I don't want it to become
laboratory research invited me to bodies: the ears ofmice were hole- so big that I lose the sense that I'm
pubhsh this talk, but insisted that the punched and the belhes ofdogs and workingwith cinimals."
term "stress" was too extreme and in- primates were tattooed. Unstated
accurate. They preferred the term rules dictated how people interacted While most people accepted this
"uneasiness," which I used. v^th laboratory animals. Social detachment as necessary for self-
norms stipulated that theywere ob- protection, not everyone found it
Soon after its pubhcation, I was jects and not pets, and sanctions sup- comfortable. One technician, for in-
asked to speak on this subject to the ported this definition. For example, stance, told me that "it didn't feel
staffat the research center of a the chieftechnician in one right" to stop playingwith the
major pharmaceutical company. I laboratory had to tell a worker to primates in her laboratory. But those
was told, however, that I could not stop naming sheep because that who did bond closely to laboratory
use "uneasiness" in the title because made it harder for others to perform animals were often reminded and
it would inflame research directors. the experiments. even teased about the dangers. At
They suggested "How Researchers one faciUty, for example, a tech-
Deal with Their FeeUngs." To make Making this definition was easier nician was called a "problem child"
matters easier, I have decided simply for researchers than it was for tech- by her peers for this reason. At
to call future talks "Untitled." nicians and caretakers. Having another facihty, in an effort to curtail
taken laboratory courses that used bonding, a scientist told his tech-
Newworkers beUeved theywere animals in college or medical school, nicians to remove the names of
not supposed to talk about their feel- many researchers learned not to animals from cage identification
ings to anyone. Feelings remained make laboratory animals into pets cards because it "looked unprofes-
private, extraneous to the "real long before starting their first full- sional."
work" ofthe laboratory. Individuals time research positions. Instead,
beheved that their colleagues were animals were transformed into data Workers still found ways to treat
better able to handle their feelings, or silent research collaborators. animals as pets and express their af-
onlyvaguely aware that many others Lack ofdirect contact with the fection for them. Technicians and
dezJt with the problem in similar animals reinforced the trans- caretakers would single out an
ways. Yet within the laboratory cul- formation. Researchers, typically, animal for a laboratory pet. Often a
ture were unspoken rules and resour- did not routinely conduct experi- mouse, rat, or guinea pig—these
ces for dealing with unwanted emo- ments and handle animals; they animals were not experimented
tions and thoughts, despite the stopped by their laboratories for a upon or at least not sacrificed. In ad-
silence surrounding this topic. briefvisit during the day or oc- dition to being named, caged singly,
casionally performed dehcate fed special foods, and given much at-
People most commonly coped by surgery on animals after they were tention, theywould also sometimes
seeing laboratory animals as dif- fully anesthetized. Also, most ap- be taught tricks and allowed oc-
ferent from pets, zoo animals, or plied biomedical researchers were casionally to run free in the
wild animals. Once the creature was primarily interested in answering pcir- laboratory. Theywere safe animals
defined as a laboratory animcd, cer- ticular scientific questions, and with whom workers could become at-
tain emotions would not be tapped, animal models would be selected on tached without fear ofloss. Affec-
making it easier to carry out experi- that basis. tion for animals also resulted in "res-
ments. Many social forces in the cues" where theywere taken home
laboratory culture helped to make Technicians and caretakers found byworkers who were strongly at-
this definition. Animals became it harder to treat animals as objects tached to them. For instance, in all
"models" chosen to suit particular ex- because they commonly lacked prior seven dog laboratories studied, staff
periments. Their cost was listed research experience and had fre- members had quietly taken home at
under "supplies" in grant proposals, quent and direct contact with the least one animal in the previous
and they could be ordered through animals. Theywould learn not to year. And photographs, cartoons,
catalogues of animals specially bred treat them as pets after being shock- dolls, and other images ofanimals
for laboratory use. ed by the death of a special animal hung on the walls of laboratories, as
that they regarded as a friend or constant reminders to workers that
Turning Animals Into Objects partner. While people tried to they cared about animals and found
detach themselves from the animals, them interesting.
As interchangeable and they rarely succeeded completely.
anonymous objects, each animal or Some described themselves as "a lit- (cont'dp.7
)
2 AWICNewsletter, April-June 1993, Vol4, No.2
Applying Principles Of Aseptic Surgery To
Rodents
by
DVM, MS
Terrie L. Cunliffe-Beamer,
The authorisHead, ClinicalLaboratoryAnimalMedicine, TheJackson Laboratory,
BarHarbor, Maine
The 1985 revision ofthe Pubhc Health Service Guide que has increased the success of ovarian transplants in
for the Care and Use ofLaboratoryAnimals (THS mice and speeded the return to normal following other
Guide') (Committee, 1985) and 1985 amendments to the surgical procedures in mice (Cunliffe-Beamer 1972-73;
Federal Animal Welfare Act (9 CFR, 1992) both contain Cunhffe-Beamer 1990).
provisions requiring aseptic technique for rodent survival
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surgery. The 'PHS Guide' apphes to all hve vertebrate further argument for aseptic surgical technique in ro-
animals used in research and, thus, includes laboratory dents is the fact that hamsters and guinea pigs are in-
rats and mice. Regulations ofthe Animal Welfare Act tolerant to many antibiotics. In these species, antibiotics
apply to hamsters, guinea pigs, and unusual laboratoryro- can selectively destroygram positive intestinal flora result-
dents, but currently exclude rats ofthe genusRattus and ing in overgrowth ofgram negative organisms and en-
mice ofthe genusMus. dotoxemia (Wagner 1976; Small 1987). Administration of
2intibiotics to "protect" against the consequences ofpoor
Rodents are widely used in biomedical research, as aseptic technique could increase morbidity and mortahty
evidenced by 55,074 citations for 1990 and 46,519 cita- in hamsters and guinea pigs.
tions for 1991 under the Medline (on-line database ofthe
National Library ofMedicine) heading "Rodentia." How- Development ofprotocols for aseptic rodent surgery
ever, only approximately 1.2 percent ofthe Rodentia cita- can challenge the attending veterinarian, principal inves-
tions (741 citations in 1990 and 548 citations in 1991) tigator, and Institutional Animal Care and Use Conmiit-
reported surgical procedures. When Rodentia citations tee. The challenges arise from several sources. First, the
with surgical procedures were subdivided by species ofro- same person often serves as surgeon, anesthetist, surgical
dent, rats were first with the most listings, mice were technician, and scrub nurse when surgical procedures are
second, and guinea pigs were third. Hamsters, gerbils, performed on rodents. Careful planning is required to as-
and other rodents were a distant fourth. sure that all supphes and equipment required to complete
the surgiccil procedure are not only ready for use, but are
Occasionally, the argument is still made that aseptic also placed exactlywhere they are needed before surgery
technique is not necessary for rodent surgerybecause begins. Second, experimental design frequently requires
mice or rats often survive surgical procedures performed repetitive surgery, that is, performing the same surgical
using less than aseptic technique. However, survival procedure on individual members of a group ofrodents
alone is not a vahd criterion forjudgment ofthe accept- during a single sitting. In repetitive rodent surgery, it may
ability of a rodent surgical technique. The criterion for ac- not be feasible to have a new sterile pack ofinstruments
ceptabihty should be the absence ofuntoward, unplanned for each rodent. Procedures to decontaminate instru-
alteration ofphysiological functions or behavior due to ments between each rodent must be developed. Third,
perioperative infection. Post-surgical adhesions and sub- the small body size ofmany laboratory rodents mandates
clinical infection can comphcate analysis or observation dissecting microscopes £ind delicate microsurgical or oph-
oftissues. Failure to utilize aseptic surgical technique in- thalmic instruments for many otherwise routine surgical
creases the potential for introducing bacteria and activat- procedures.
ing immune responses in reaction to the bacteria. Recent-
ly, responses ofrats subjected to aseptic or septic surgi- The 'PHS Guide' defines major survival surgery as
cal procedure were compared. Although there were no "any surgical intervention that penetrates a body cavity or
obvious clinical signs in either group ofrats, differences has the potential for producing a permanent handicap in
were observed in open field behavior, "freezing" be- an animal that is expected to recover." The standards of
havior, plasma fibrinogen, serum glucose, total white cell the Animal Welfare Act in part 1.1 similarly define a
count, and wound histology scores (Bradfield, major operative procedure as "any surgical intervention
Schachtman et al. 1992). Activation ofmacrophages in that penetrates and exposes a body cavity or any proce-
response to intraperitoneal inoculation ofbacteria dure which produces permcinent impairment ofphysical
(Bancroft, Schreiber et al. 1989), stimulation of cytokines or physiological functions." Minor surgeries, by default,
and activation ofB cells bybacterial endotoxins are all surgical procedures that do not penetrate a body
(hpopolysaccharides) (Abbas, Lichtman et al. 1991) and cavity or produce a permanent impairment offunction.
,
alterations of other physiological processes by subclinical However, one should remember that a relatively minor
viral, mycoplasmal, bacterial or parasitological infections surgical procedure, such as vascular catheterization, can
(Committee on Infectious Diseases ofLaboratory Rats have life-threatening compUcations if bacteria are intro-
and Mice 1992), are well documented in the hterature. It duced into the blood stream . >
has been documented that use of aseptic surgical techni- cont'dnextpage
AWIC
Newsletter, April-June 1993, Vol.4, No.2 3
The THS Guide' states that "survival surgery on ro- prevent instruments from shding into each other ifthe
dents... should be performed using sterile instruments, trayis tilted. After use, instruments should be soaked in
surgical gloves, and aseptic procedures to prevent clinical lukewarm water to remove blood and tissue, washed with
infections." The standards ofthe AnimalWelfare Act in a free rinsing neutral pH detergent, rinsed thoroughly,
A
part 2, state "...survival surgerywill be performed using and air dried. toothbrush can be used to scrub delicate
aseptic procedures including surgical gloves, masks, surgical instruments. Before dehcate instruments are
sterile instruments, and aseptic technique." However, returned to storage, the tips should be examined,
neither document further defines aseptic surgical techni- preferably under a microscope, to be certain that the
que in detail. The primary objective of aseptic surgical ends meet properly, and grooves should be examined to
technique is to reduce microbial contamination ofthe in- verify that no blood or tissue remains in grooves. The
cision £ind exposed tissues to the lowest possible practi- cutting edge ofmicrodissecting scissors should be ex-
cal level. Items to address during development ofasep- amined under a microscope andbe tested by cutting a
tic technique for repetitive rodent surgeryinclude (1) single thread in a gauze sponge or piece offine suture.
selection and sanitation ofsurgical table and associated Instruments with damaged tips or dull blades should not
equipment, e.g., microscopes, (2) preparation and be used because their use can increase the amount of
sterilization ofsurgical instruments, (3) maintenance of trauma associated with the surgical procedure.
sterihtybetween rodents, (4) decontamination ofskin sur-
rounding the incision site, (5) use ofsurgical drapes, and Methods to sterilize surgical instruments include
(6) preparation ofthe surgeon. steam, dry heat, ethylene oxide, chemical sterUants, and
radiation (Block 1991). By definition, sterilization means
When major survival surgiccd procedures are per- the absence ofmicrobial hfe, including viable bacterial
THS
formed on non-rodents, Guide' and standards of spores. Stccmi or dry heat are preferred methods to steril-
the Animal Welfare Act require a dedicated surgical ize surgical instruments. Sterilization should be verified
THS
facility. In this facihty, the Guide' requires through periodic use ofbiological indicators manufac-
sepcirate 2ireas for performing the surgery, storing sup- tured for this purpose. Glass bead sterilizers are a fast
pUes £ind preparing surgical instruments, prepziring the wayto sterilize unwrapped surgiccJ instruments (Cal-
animal for surgery, preparing the personnel, and provid- lahan, Fiorillo et al. 1992). However, instruments must
ing intensive care and supportive treatment ofpost-opera- be allowed to cool on a sterile surface before use to avoid
A
tive animals. dedicated surgical facihty is not required thermal injury (burning tissues). Instrument packs steril-
THS
for major survival rodent surgeryby either the ized by ethylene oxide must be aerated to remove
A
Guide' or the Animal Welfare Act. rodent surgical residual gas. Some chemical sterilants, e.g., chlorine
area can be a room or part of a room that is easily dioxide, are corrosive to metals as well as irritating to tis-
sanitized and not used for other activities when rodent sues. Even noncorrosive chemical sterilants Ccin be irritat-
surgery is in progress. The area should be subdivided so ing to tissues. Ifchemical sterilcints £ire used on surgical
that there are specific places for cages ofrodents await- instruments, sufficient time must be allowed to achieve
ing or recovering from surgery, preparing rodents for sterilization and instruments must be rinsed with sterUe
surgery, and performing the surgery. This approach water or sterile saline before use. Contact time varies
reduces the potentid for contamination of the surgical with the chemical sterUant and manufacturer's instruc-
field by fur, feces and bedding. Before beginning rodent tions should be consulted for contact time required to
surgery, the laboratorybench or table where the surgery achieve sterilization. Rinse solutions should be changed
will be performed should be cleaned and disinfected. frequently to prevent contaminationbythe sterilant.
Quaternary ammonium disinfectants or 70% alcohol are
good choices for disinfecting laboratorybenches prior to Quaternary ammonium, iodophor and phenohc disin-
rodent surgery. Laboratorybenches in front ofopen win- fectants used to sanitize animal facihties should not be
dows, next to doors, or similar locations where £iir cur- used on surgical instruments. These disinfectants are not
rents £ind dust 2ire difficult to control should be avoided sterilzuits. Alcohol, contrziry to popular behef, is neither
as rodent surgery tables. Likewise, rodent surgery should a sterilant nor a high-level disinfectant (Block 1991;
not be performed in or in front ofan exhaust hood be- Rutala 1990). Recommendations for selection ofdisin-
cause air and particulates from throughout the laboratory fectant based on the physical make-up ofthe instrument
A
are drawn over the surgical field. high efficiency pcir- and its use have been pubhshed (Rutala 1990).
ticulate absorbent (HEPA) filtered hood can be used as
a rodent surgical area ifthe air flowwithin the hood does Maintaining sterile instruments when performing
A
not desiccate exposed tissues. glove box or plastic repetitive rodent surgery is a challenge. Contamination
bubble can be used to create an isolated "rodent surgical canbe reduced by segregating surgical instruments ac-
suite" within a laboratory or animal treatment room. cording to function. Surgical instruments used to incise
the skin cire placed at one end ofthe tray. Instruments
Surgical instruments used in rodent surgery usually used in subcutaneous tissues are placed next to the skin
have dehcate tips that are easily damaged. Autoclavable instruments. Instruments used within internal cavities are
tip guctrds are commercially available £md should be used placed next to instruments used in subcutaneous tissues
to protect tips ofinstruments. Speciail instrument trays and so on. The tips ofthe instruments are placed toward
with rows of soft plastic fingers can be used instead offlat the top ofthe tray. This arrangement places instruments
trays to store dehcate instruments. The plastic fingers >
cont'dnextpage
4 AWICNewsletter, April-June 1993, Vol.4, No.2
used in deep bodytissues "offto the side" and minimizes in circles ofincreasing diameter (Bennett, Brown et al.
reaching over them to reach other instruments (Cunliffe- 1990).
Beamer 1983; Cunhffe-Bearner 1990).
It is difficult to generalize about rodent surgery be-
Contamination ofinstruments by aerobic bacterial skin cause the "patient" can vary in bodyweight, from a 1.5 or
contamincmts in repetitive rodent surgery can be reduced 2.0 gram new-born mouse to a 500-700 gram rat or guinea
bywiping tips ofinstruments with 70% alcohol and a pig. The magnitude ofthis difference on a percent-body-
sterile swab between rodents. Alternatively, a glass bead weight basis is equivalent to comparing a 2 or 3 kg cat and
dry heat sterilizer could be used after the tips ofinstru- a 765 kg horse. Even among rodents, surgical instru-
ments are wiped with sterUe saline or water to remove ments must be matched to the size ofthe patient. Surgical
blood or tissue residue. Use of a sterile instrument procedures in small rodents, e.g., young mice, require deh-
holder with pockets also reduces potential for contamina- cate instruments such as those designed for micro or oph-
tion because tips ofinstruments can be tucked in the pock- thalmic surgery in order to minimize surgical trauma.
et and covered while the next rodent is prepared for Severed books contain detailed descriptions of rodent sur-
surgery. Even with alcohol wipe between rodents and gical procedures (Waynforth 1980; Cunliffe-Beamer
holder with pockets, a new sterile instrument pack should 1983).
be used cifter 4 or 5 individual rodents.
Water is not usuallywithheld from small rodents prior
A
surgical drape is a sterile cover that is draped over to surgery. The inability ofmice and rats to vomit
all or part ofthe rodent. The drape protects against ac- prevents regurgitation of stomach content. The nibbling
cidental contamination ofsurgical instruments by provid- nocturnal feeding behavior ofmost small rodents and
ing a sterile "buffer zone" and provides a sterile surface rapid intestinal transit times combine to eliminate dis-
on which to lay exteriorized organs. Surgical drapes for tended digestive tracts as a problem for most laboratory
rodents can be made from a variety ofmaterials. rodent surgery. Thus, withholding food is not common
Lightweight, clear plastic drapes manufactured for larger practice prior to many rodents surgical procedures, al-
animals can be cut in small pieces and steam sterilized be- though guinea pigs are often fasted prior to surgery (Hark-
tween two paper towels. This type of drape conforms to ness and Wagner 1989).
the rodent's body and makes it easy to observe respira-
tion. Opaque disposable paper or cloth drapes make it Hypothermia from anesthesia, wetting a significant por-
difficult to monitor respiratory rate of small rodents. In tion of the body during preparation for surgery, or cooling
some circumstances, a sterile non-woven surgical sponge of exposed body cavities is a potential problem during any
can be used to "drape" a small rodent. rodent surgery. Decontamination of the skin should be ac-
comphshed without soaking the body of the rodent. The
Preparation ofthe incision site is an importaint part of degree ofhypothermia is influenced by the type and dura-
aseptic technique. Iffur is not removed over the incision tion of anesthesia (Gardner, Davis et al. 1992) and en-
site and skin is not decontaminated, hair and associated vironmental factors. Heat transfer should be considered
skin bacteria can be carried into deeper tissues. Alterna- when selecting the surgical table. Stainless steel is easy to
A
tives for removing fur from rodents include plucking, clip- sanitize, but it conducts heat away from the body.
ping, shaving, or in selected instances, depilatories. Pluck- temperature-controlled small water 'blanket' should be
ing the fur from an anesthetized mouse or similar-size ro- placed under the rodent during prolonged surgical proce-
A
dent has many advantages. It is fast and easy and does not dures. cork board, a plastic tray, or a few paper towels
leave a stubble. Hair foUicles in adult mice are usually in can be placed under the rodent to minimize heat transfer
the telogen (resting) phase, and the hair can be removed during short procedures. Post-operative care should in-
manuallywith minimal injury (Sundberg 1993). Iffur is clude an external heat source while the rodents recover
removed with cUppers, pressing a piece of adhesive tape from anesthesia. The heat source should be positioned so
over the chpped area picks up loose hair that would other- that the rodents can move away from it asWthey recover
wise migrate into the incision. Use of depilatories should from anesthesia. An electric Hght (50-75 bulb)
be reserved for situations where complete removal offur suspended over one end ofthe cage is a very simple heat
from a very large area of skin is required. Ifthe depilatory source for rodents recovering from anesthesia.
remains in contact with the skin for too long, a chemical
burn could result. After the fur is removed from the area In summary, when aseptic surgical technique is not
where the incision will be made, the skin needs to be practiced, infection can be expected. These infections
cleansed and disinfected. In large rodents, e.g., rats or are often subclinical in rodents; nevertheless, adverse
guinea pigs, skin can be washed with soap, rinsed with physiological effects have been demonstrated. Prevent-
water, and disinfected with 70% alcohol or a surgical ing post-surgical infection by using aseptic technique im-
iodine. In small rodents, three appUcations of70% al- proves the quahty oflife for the rodent and eliminates a
cohol, or two appUcations of70% alcohol and one ap- source ofuncontrolled variation in research data.
plication ofsmgical iodine are often used to disinfect ro-
dent skin. Sterile gauze sponges or sterile cotton swabs, References:
depending on the size ofthe rodent can be used to disin- 9 Code ofFederal Regulations. Chapter 1, Subchapter
fect the skin. Begin at the incision site and work outward A-Animal Welfare.
>
cont'dnextpage
AWIC
Newsletter, April-June 1993, Vol4, No.2 5
Abbas, A., A. Lichtman, et al. (1991). Cellularand ReportofTheJackson Laboratory. Bar Harbor, Maine,
WB
MolecularImmunology. Philadelphia, Saunders Com- 104.
pany. 229,302,303.
Cunhffe-Beamer, T. (1983). Biomethodology. The
Bancroft, G., R. Schreiber, et al. (1989). T cell inde- Mouse in BiomedicalResearch. New York, Academic
pendent, macrophage activation in SCID mice. The Scid Press. 402-437.
Mouse Characterization andPotential Uses. New York,
Springer Verlag. 235-242. Cunliffe-Beamer, T. (1990). Surgical Techniques.
Guidelinesforthe WellBeingofRodents in Research.
Bennett, T., M. Brown, et al. (1990). Essentialsfor Bethesda, Maryland, Scientists Center for Animal Wel-
AnimalResearch. Beltsville, MD, National Agricultural fare. 86-92.
Library. 61-77.
Gardner, D., J. Davis, et al. (1992). "Comparison of
Block, S. (1991). Sterilization, Disinfection andPreserva- tribromoethanol, ketamine/acetylpromazine,
tion. Philadelphia, PA, Lea and Febiger. xylazine/telazol, pentobarbital and methoxyflurane anes-
thesia in HSD:ICR mice." Contemporary Topics in
Bradfield, J., T. Schachtman, et al. (1992). "Behavioral LaboratoryAnimalScience 31(4): 13 (abstract).
and physiologic effects ofwound infections in rats"
LaboratoryAnimalScience 42(6): 572-578. Harkness, J. and J. Wagner (1989). The Biology and
Medicine of Rabbits andRodents. Philadelphia, Lea and
Callahan, B., A. Fiorillo, et al. (1992). "A comparison Feibger.
offour methods for sterilizing surgical instruments for ro-
dent surgery." Contemporary Topics in LaboratoryAnimal Rutala, W. (1990). "APIC Guidelines for selection and
Science 31(4): 38 (abstract). use of disinfectants."ylmerzcanJournalInfection Control
18(7): 99-117.
Committee on Care and Use ofLaboratoryAnimcds, I.
L. A. R. (1985). Guideforthe Care and Use ofLaboratory Small, J. (1987). Drugs used in hamsters with a review
Animals NIHPublication No. 85-23. Washington, DC, of antibiotic associated colitis. LaboratoryHamsters. New
Government Printing Office. York, New York, Academic Press. 180.
Committee on Infectious Diseases ofLaboratory Rats Sundberg, J.P. 1993. Personal communication.
and Mice, I. L. A. R. (1992). Infectious Diseases of
LaboratoryRats andMice. Washington, DC, Government Wagner, J. (1976). Miscellaneous diseases ofguinea
Printing Office. pigs. The Biology ofthe Guinea Pig. New York, New York,
Academic Press. 229.
Cunliffe-Beamer, T. (1972-73). Pathological changes
associatedwith ovarian trcinsplantation. The 44thAnnual Waynforth, H. B, (1980). Experimental andSurgical
H
Technique in the Rat. London, Academic Press.
New
HELP! Environmental Enrichment Publication
The United States Department ofAgriculture, Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC), located in the Na-
tional Agricultural Library, is working in cooperation with the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare to
produce a comprehensive bibUography on environmentcil enrichment for laboratory species other than nonhuman
primates. Due to the varied terminology used to describe emiched environments and environmental emichment
strategies, AWIC is requesting assistance in gathering reprints, book chapters, articles, etc., that are relevant to
environmental enrichment to be included in the bibliography. Contributors will receive a copy ofthe finalized bib-
Hography free of charge.
Materials may be sent to:
Animal Welfare Information Center
National Agricultural Library
United States Department ofAgriculture
10301 Baltimore Blvd.
Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2351
[phone]
[email protected]
Internet address:
AWIC
6 Newsletter, April-June 1993, Vol.4, No.2
cont'dfromp.2 Yet for most people, using the researcher said ofhis hunting: "I do
term "sacrifice" was the primary it strictly for the meat—from the rab-
It was also important for people device for giving meaning to death. bits, to pheasants, to ducks, to geese.
to learn to cope with the death of Journ£ils and grant agencies prohibit I've had opportunities to shoot bear,
animals. Novices were usually eased use ofthis term, and some in- but I haven't because bear meat isn't
and coached into killing their first dividuals described it as an inap- good to eat and I can't see killing
animcils. Sometimes long before they propriate euphemism, but it did in- something that I can't use personal-
did their own killing, they observed deed mean something special to ly." I was frequently reminded that
others doing it matter-of-factly. many research workers. "'Killing' most laboratory animals were bred
More experienced people almost
connotes no purpose, while for research, so they knew ofno
never cajoled or pushed newcomers 'sacrifice' connotes there is a other existence. Andwhen former
to kill and waited until they seemed reason," noted one technician. pets and strays were obtained from
"ready" to do it. Still, certain types Similarly, an investigator explained shelters where theywould have been
ofsacrifice were contrary to the to me that "sacrifice" was different killed "wastefully," their use in ex-
novice's "instincts," such as slam- from "wanton murder" described in periments was seen as giving the
ming rodents against the bench or
detective novels; the former had a animal's life and death added pur-
cutting offtheir heads, and this re- larger, worthwhile aim while the last pose.
quired special teaching. Newcomers was pointless. Besides "sacrifice,"
were reassured that, if done correct- there were other terms with less For the most part, though, people
ly, the death was quick and painless, meaning that shielded people from did not have elaborate moraljus-
regardless ofthe particular method the harshness of death. Animals tifications for their use of animals.
theyused. For example, after break- were "dispatched," "terminated," Instead, many ofthem appeared
ing the necks ofmice, newworkers
"cervically dislocated," "exsan- ethically inarticulate. Predictably,
were often troubled by animal move-
guinated," "decapitated," or "put scientists and research technicians
ments that looked like suffering. down," while whole rooms were saw scientific and medical goals as
Someone more senior would usually
"depopulated" or simply "cleaned." moral imperatives to do their work.
explain to the novices that these Caret2ikersjustified their work with
movements were only "muscle
People also acquired a animals by ensuring that they could
spasms."
vocabulary that aggressivelyframed not be better treated, giving the
their actions toward animals, rein- animals enough love and attention in
Rituals HelpWorkers To Cope forcing the image of animals as ob- their last days so they could ex-
jects. People injecting animals were perience what it was like to be loved
For some people, it was impor- "shooters" and their injections were as pets. For some workers this was
tant not to see death asjust another "sticks." "Guns" were syringes at- almost an addiction. People spoke
task in the day because it would tached to devices like pool cues that about being unable to quit because
quicklybecome mechanical, espe- reached into cages, and "torture theywere afraid that no one else
cially in laboratories that conducted chambers" were devices to restrain could be hired that would be as dedi-
experiments like factory assembly mice. Animals were labeled accord- cated as theywere to the welfare of
lines where the individuahty of
ing to their experimental purpose: laboratory animals.
animals was lost. As one researcher there were "controls," "recipients,"
said, "It doesn't mean that we're cal- "donors," "carriers," "bleeders," I also observed a different way of
lous about killing them, but there's "breeders," "junk," or simply "X- coping among those who felt
not really a second thought for that animals." Even the very term "ex- "animal activists" seriously
animal as an individual." Death periment" was infrequently used; threatened biomedical research.
could become merely the final step people more often referred to a Some scientists have started a
in the protocol, signiJfying noxious "preparation" or "project." And the countermovement to educate the
tasks such as disposing of corpses subjective term "suffering" was pubhc about the need to use animals
and more pleasant associations such dehberately avoided in favor ofthe in science. Part ofthis campaign has
as going home for the day. In a few more neutral "distress." been to denounce activists as
laboratories, workers followed cer- dangerous and evil because medical
tain rituals when killing animals, The Scientist As 'Hunter' advances would halt if they suc-
giving death special meaning. In
ceeded in preventing animal experi-
one case, the scientist asked her Rationalizing the use of animals ments. By demonizing those strongly
graduate students and technicians to in science was also a mainstay in the opposed to animal research, the
observe a minute ofsilence before
coping skills ofresearchers. People charge ofimmorahty levelled at re-
sacrificing animals. In another in laboratories saw httle difference searchers was reversed.
laboratory, a technician privately between animals used in experi-
recited a prayer each time she kiUed
ments and those killed for food and Finally, researchers had to le£U"n
an animal, asking that its death be clothing. A few compared it to hunt- to manage the occasional sarcastic
forgiven. Some laboratories made ing, which they saw as acceptable if remark, heated argument, or blunt
memorials to commemorate animals were eaten rather than criticism encountered when discuss-
"favorite" animals that died. killed merely for recreation. As one
>
cont'dnextpage
AWIC
Newsletter, April-June 1993, Vol.4, No.2 7
ing their work with lay people. New
workers were often disturbed to be Animal Alternatives Research Grants....
called "mouse murderers" and dis-
covered that conversations about • ETHICAL RESEARCH GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
animal experimentation quickly
degenerated into a "ping pong" of The International Foundation for Ethical Rese£u-ch (IFER) is seeking ap-
phcants for the 1994 grants program. IFER funds research seeking viable, scien-
polarized opinions. Scientists,
tificallyvahd alternatives to the use oflive animals in research, testing, and
though, were less likely than tech- teaching. Areas ofinterest include tissue culture, bacteria cultures, protozoan
nicians or caretakers to be put in studies, gas chromatography, radioimmunoassay, etc. Organizations and in-
this position because as physicians dividuals from all over the world are eligible to apply. For more information con-
or academics they could talk about tact:
their work without mentioning John Hughes, Executive Director
animal experimentation. Also, their International Foundation for Ethiccd Research
social networks usually included 53 West Jackson Blvd.
many people sympathetic to Suite 1552
Chicago, IL 60604
biomedical research. Those not in Tel [phone] or [phone]
this position would sometimes, out Fax [phone]
offrustration, carefully avoid men-
• FUNDING FOR RESEARCH TO DEVELOP ALTERNATIVES
tioning animal experimentation by
telling people that they "did cancer The American Fund for Alternatives to Animal Research (AFAAR) is seek-
research" or "worked at Boston ing applicants for its animal alternatives funding program. For more information
General Hospital." Others would as- contact:
sess whether conversations were Dr. Ethel Thurston
AFAAR
likely to become "shouting
matches," gradually releasing more 175 W. 12th St., No. 16-G
New York, NY 10011-8275
information about their use of
animals as long as the unfolding talk • ALTERNATIVES IN ANIMAL EFFICACY AND SAFETYTESTING
seemed safe to them. Some also told
people that they owned pets them- The Procter & Gamble Company has announced a call for research
proposals for alternatives in animal efficacy and safety testing. Proposals will be
selves, perhaps-to suggest that they accepted from any academic or nonprofit medical institution. Preference will be
were hardly insensitive and heartless given to proposals likely to result in important reductions in usage of or distress
&
scientists. to animals in testing areas ofmutual interest to the scientist and Procter
Gamble. The program will provide funding ofup to a maximum of$50,000 per
While these coping devices cer- year for a period ofup to 3 years for each award. Deadline for applications is
tainly made it easier for many September 1, 1993. For further information contact:
people to conduct experiments on Animal Alternatives Research Program
Miami ValleyLaboratories
animals, it is not clear whether these Procter & Gamble Company
adjustments should be encouraged. P.O. Box398707
There are two Unes ofthinking. Cincinnati, OH 45239-8707
Some people argue that by coping in Fax [phone]
this manner, there will be an ethical • HASTINGS CENTER FELLOWSHIP, INTERNAND GRANTS PROGRAM
blunting or a coarsening ofthe
moral sensitivities ofresearchers. The Hastings Center has a number ofprograms available for students;
Others are more struck by the sig- academic, medical or legalprofessionals; or lournalists who have a serious inter-
est in pursuing directed or independent study ofbioethical issues relating to
nificance ofthe conflicts that animal welfare or other fields or scientific concern. For more information con-
prompt defensive behavior. The sur-
tact:
facing ofthese conflicts among re-
searchers maybe due to the dif- Director ofEducation
The Hastings Center
fusion into the laboratory of
255 Elm Rd.
society's heightened awareness of BriarcliffManor, NY 10510
how animals should be viewed and Tel [phone]
treated. Coping devices will be
called out when humanity's stand- • ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL TESTING
ards clash with traditional scientific The Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is committed to reducing its rehance on
practice. This is cheering to some animal testing methods. In 1983, the company established a department dedi-
who see this as a willingness to pay cated to the development ofnon-animal test methodologies. For more informa-
more attention to humanitarian tion on the grants program, contact:
ideals in animad experimentation. Director, Corporate Contributions
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Contributions Program
345 Park Ave., 43rd Floor
New York, NY 10154-0037
Tel [phone]
8 AWICNewsletter, April-June 1993, Vol.4, No.2