Ethics in Animal Research Flashcards

An animal technician notices a colleague performing euthanasia in a manner that appears inconsistent with AVMA guidelines. What is the most ethical course of action?

Answer: Report the concern to a supervisor or the attending veterinarian immediately

Concerns about animal welfare and improper procedures should be reported to supervisory or veterinary staff who have authority to investigate and correct the situation.

Occupational health and safety programs in animal research facilities are ethically required primarily to protect which groups?

Answer: Both personnel working with animals and the animals themselves from zoonotic disease transmission

Occupational health programs protect personnel from zoonoses, allergens, and other hazards, while also protecting animals from human pathogens that could compromise research or animal health.

What does 'unnecessary duplication' mean in the context of ethical animal research, and how should it be avoided?

Answer: Repeating experiments that have already produced valid results without scientific justification, avoided by thorough literature review

Unnecessary duplication means repeating studies without added scientific value, and a thorough literature search before protocol submission is the primary way to avoid it.

Which of the following best describes the role of the Institutional Official (IO) in an animal research program?

Answer: The individual who signs the Animal Welfare Assurance and bears institutional responsibility for compliance

The Institutional Official is a senior administrator who signs the PHS Assurance, committing the institution to compliance with federal regulations and policies.

A study requires blood samples from mice every week for 12 weeks. To apply the principle of Reduction, a technician should suggest:

Answer: Collecting multiple analytes from each blood sample to maximize data obtained per animal

Multiplexing—measuring multiple analytes from one sample—extracts more scientific value per animal and reduces the total number of animals needed.

Under the PHS Policy, which category of animal use requires full IACUC committee review rather than designated member review?

Answer: Studies involving more than momentary or slight pain or distress that is not relieved by anesthetics, analgesics, or tranquilizers

Protocols involving pain or distress not alleviated by pain-relieving agents (USDA Category E equivalent) require full committee review due to their significant welfare implications.

Which statement about the ethical use of pain and distress assessment tools in research animals is most accurate?

Answer: Species-specific behavioral and physiological indicators should be used because animals cannot verbally communicate pain

Because animals cannot self-report pain, technicians must use species-specific grimace scales, behavioral changes, and physiological parameters to assess distress accurately.