Find answers to common questions well-nigh animal research.

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What types of animal inquiry are conducted at UBC?

All creature research conducted at UBC falls into one of three categories:

  1. To advance basic scientific understanding
  2. To develop solutions to medical problems
  3. To protect the safety of people, animals, and the environment.

Roughly 60% of the research conducted at UBC aims to advance basic understanding in biology, psychology, physiology and biochemistry.  Another ~35% of the enquiry aims to develop solutions for medical problems primarily through the evolution of treatments of diseases that improve health care outcomes for both humans and animals. Just a small-scale proportion (~three%) of UBC animal research is focussed on assessing safety.  For a current description of the types of research conducted at UBC, please see (2017 animal data link).

What has UBC contributed through its animal inquiry?

Beast research at UBC has led to numerous discoveries and advancements, including:

  • The development of a novel, non-surgical animal model of concussion that volition fast-track drug discovery efforts to treat traumatic brain injury;
  • The discovery of new, experimental treatments for diabetes;
  • Understanding the ecology factors that outcome in failed pacific salmon migrations;
  • Identification of critical genetic pathways involved in the development of Huntington disease,

There are, in fact, so many scientific breakthroughs involving fauna research that they cannot all be described here. Read more about recent discoveries in animal research at UBC hither.

Who benefits from animal research?

Information technology is fair to say that anybody benefits, in some way, from creature research.  Scientists are notwithstanding seeking cures for many diseases, simply new vaccines, medications, and treatments for humans, companion animals, domestic animals, fish and wildlife cannot exist generated without understanding the basic biology of the disease, which necessitates working in animal models.  Nearly every major medical breakthrough in the final 100 years has been accomplished through research involving animals.   Furthermore, without beast research, millions of dogs, cats, birds, and farm animals would have died from numerous diseases, including distemper, rabies, feline leukemia, and canine parvo virus.  Today, those diseases are largely preventable, cheers to vaccines and treatments developed through animal research.

Animal research also plays a critical role in agreement the earth around us and the impacts of human activities on wild animals. For example, whale populations are nether threat from habitat loss and exploitation, salmon returns are impacted by climate change, and resource development has untold impacts on wildlife.   To tackle these issues, scientists work with animals, often using non-invasive enquiry approaches, to gain an understanding of how a irresolute environment is impacting wildlife and to develop subsequent solutions.

Why do we however use animals? Are there not better alternatives?

We often hear that in that location are alternatives to animals in enquiry in the form of jail cell culture and computer simulations.  While this is truthful for some inquiry questions, it is not true for all aspects of research.  Test tube, or in vitro, studies in tissues or jail cell culture can yield important discoveries on how these components work, but organisms are more than than the sum of their parts.  Studying cells and tissues cannot reproduce the integrated and complex systems of an intact animal or human, which include circulatory, nervous, and digestive systems.  For example, to determine if a new drug is having the desired effect on a affliction, it must be tested in an intact animal because the effectiveness of the drug will depend upon how well it absorbed in the gut, the rate of breakdown by the liver, excretion past kidney, and how the drug itself moves from the circulatory organization into the organs and tissues.  Knowing what a drug does when directly applied to a cell does not account for any of these factors.

Reckoner simulations are just as good as the data that goes into them.  In order for a computer simulation to accurately predict the response of an intact animal, we must have the background data on how the animals respond, which necessitates animals research.  As our cognition of biology, diseases and animal responses grows, and then will the value of estimator simulations.

Are the findings translatable to humans?

There are obvious differences between animals and humans, but there are also remarkable similarities. Mice, a commonly used animate being model, shares 99 per cent of our genes. Major biological systems, such equally digestive and cardiovascular systems, work in the same way in both animals and humans. For example, much of what we know about our immune system has come from studies in poultry and in mice. In some cases, the differences between humans and animals can also provide insight into understanding important human diseases. The scientific community wants to ensure that brute research delivers the promised benefits and they recognize that at that place are difficulties involved in extrapolating from animals to humans, in both in vitro and animal studies. So continuous reflection on how research methodology and existing animal models tin exist improved is an important component of proficient scientific practise.

Who does animate being research at UBC?  Who decides what inquiry is conducted?

Primary Investigators are responsible for overseeing and conveying out research projects listed under their name.  Principal investigators must have a Faculty Engagement (eastward.1000. Professor, Associate Professor, Banana Professor, Clinical Professor, Clinical Associate Professor, Clinical Banana Professor, Adjunct Professor, Professor Emeritus).  Principal investigators require a valid Animal Use Protocol, which guarantees the Animal Intendance Committee has examined and approved the employ of animals. A range of people could be involved in conveying out the day-to-twenty-four hour period research including: graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research assembly, laboratory technicians and registered veterinary technicians.  All people listed on the document or working with animals require a variety of specialized ethics and applied preparation to ensure they are competent to work with animals.

Decisions about what inquiry is conducted occurs at a variety of levels ranging from individual researchers, independent review past committees in granting agencies, Creature Care Committees review, to decisions about research priorities, budgets and policies made by public officials, scientists, charitable organizations, patient advocates and others.

Researchers who work for academic institutions such at The University of British Columbia are permitted to acquit out research every bit long equally it has met the criteria for ethical justification which includes:

  • Promise of benefits,
  • Research is scientifically valid,
  • Harms to animals are minimised, and
  • Benefits outweigh harms.

Typically benefits and scientific validity are evaluated by granting agencies or scientist review committees. The Animal Intendance Commission (members include scientists, veterinarians, creature care technicians, graduate students and members from the community) evaluates proposals to ensure that damage to animals is minimized.

Does UBC do cosmetic testing on animals?

UBC does not let cosmetic testing.

In Canada, cosmetic testing is regulated by the Food and Drugs Human activity, the Corrective Regulations, and the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Human action and Regulations. While it is legal in Canada to use alive animals for cosmetic testing, none of these regulatory documents specify requirements for animal testing for cosmetic purposes, and this type of testing is not office of UBC's research program. Animals at UBC are only used for breeding, pedagogy or enquiry, as defined by ane of the half dozen purposes of use outlined past the CCAC.

What animals are used at UBC?

A diverseness of species are used for enquiry, teaching or breeding at UBC. The primary species of use are fish, and rodents (mice and rats); others include birds, amphibians (frogs) and lizards. UBC publishes annual reports which includes fauna numbers and types and these reports tin can be constitute at https://animalresearch.ubc.ca/animal-statistics.html

Where do the animals come from?

Animals used in research at UBC may come from a multifariousness of sources. In all cases, the UBC Animal Care Committee requires the source of all animals to exist specified on an approved UBC Animal Use Protocol prior to their importation to whatsoever of UBC's research facilities. Animals may be ordered, bred in-house, or imported from the wild. Animals ordered in must come up from reputable suppliers, and many of these suppliers are besides overseen by the CCAC or equivalent governing bodies in the Usa or Europe. Animals being studied in the wild or imported from the wild to UBC must have boosted permits (Wildlife (Federal), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, etc.).

Pets and devious animals cannot be used for research at UBC, except in the case of observational studies. UBC does not obtain any animals from animal shelters including the BCSPCA or the City Pound; the BC SPCA is not legally permitted to provide animals for enquiry.

Where is beast research performed?

Studies of animals in the wild occur wherever those animals are naturally found.  Thus, in brusk, UBC animal researchers can perform their piece of work anywhere in the globe. For animals specifically bred for enquiry, research is performed in specialized facilities.

How are research animals housed at UBC?

Animal housing facilities are defended for this purpose and have strict requirements.  The Canadian Quango on Beast Care (CCAC) has numerous guidelines for all facilities where animals are housed, which UBC adheres to. The guidelines are extensive and examples include specifications regarding infinite requirements, facility security, mechanical and structural applied science (east.g. ventilation and air exchanges, temperature command, lighting, humidity, etc.), cleanliness, and dissonance. At the individual cage/pen/tank level, these include water quality and temperature for aquatic species, bedding type, fauna density, and environmental enrichment. The UBC Beast Care Committee (ACC) is responsible for approving all areas where animals are housed or used. The CCAC requires arm'southward length monitoring of these facilities, achieved through facility audit by the post-approving monitoring team, clinical veterinarian visits, routine ACC visits and continuing review visits by the CCAC.

How are the animals cared for?

Animals are housed in approved facilities, with trained staff. Information technology is required that all animals are checked at least in one case daily, along with their housing conditions, food and water supply. Detailed "starting time assist" plans are developed by veterinarians for any wellness conditions that arise.

All procedures performed every bit role of the research are outset reviewed and approved by the Animal Care Committee (ACC). Equally part of this process, a detailed monitoring plan is put in identify, including frequent wellness checks, the use of amazement, pain management, and any other forms of care, every bit required. Researchers received specialized preparation for procedures earlier they perform them. Post-process monitoring is performed by researchers and/or facility staff. Oversight of this process is provided by veterinarians, facility managers, the mail service-approval monitoring team and the ACC.

Exercise animals feel pain or distress?

The experiences of animals volition vary depending on the written report. Some studies may involve ascertainment of animals in wild settings; others may involve injections, taking small-scale claret samples, or changes to feeding patterns. In some cases, animals may feel similar symptoms to humans as in the case of research on human disease such as cancer or arthritis. Some studies involve full general anesthesia and surgery. In all cases, plans are developed before a study can begin to identify how animals are monitored and what actions must exist taken if animals feel any discomfort or distress. For animals that will experience pain, pain direction plans are designed with UBC veterinarians. Pre-defined experimental endpoints – signs and symptoms of distress (such as weight loss) – are identified to minimize pain or distress caused to animals. Continual efforts are made to find ways to optimize brute models and data collection while minimizing the pain and distress animals might experience.

We also recognize the importance of ensuring good welfare for animals beyond the experimental procedures: in the living conditions and in the manner in which people interact with animals.  Therefore, training of staff and researchers is obligatory to ensure humane handling techniques and all facilities are obligated to provide living weather condition that promote natural behaviours and minimizes stress.

How is fauna welfare monitored?

All animals are monitored daily for whatsoever changes in their welfare. In addition, special protections are in place to ensure animals are carefully monitored when they are at increased hazard of failing health or welfare. The Animal Care Committee sets out rules of how oft animals are monitored and what actions must be taken if animals experience any discomfort or distress.  Plans are developed in consultation with experienced UBC veterinarians. All studies that involve animals undergoing surgery or other procedures that might crusade pain must be accompanied past an approved hurting management programme - including the employ of anesthetics and analgesics during or afterwards the procedures - just similar human patients. Decisions regarding utilize of analgesia and monitoring follow best practise in veterinary medicine.

Detecting and responding accordingly to prevent animal hurting, distress and suffering is an important role of the beast care and enquiry staff, who are specially trained to recognize symptoms of declining health or welfare. (Run into Animal Care Committee website for grade information at http://det.cstudies.ubc.ca/ACC/index.html)

Before whatsoever written report can begin, all investigative procedures accept pre-divers endpoints - signs and symptoms of distress (such as weight loss) - to minimize harms caused to animals. In those few studies where animals may undergo some stress or pain, very specific endpoints are required. The investigation must end when the endpoint is reached. No fauna is left to dice every bit a result of a process.

Throughout the course of experiments, various safeguards are in place to ensure that animals are being appropriately monitored and cared for including regular visits past the post-approval monitoring squad, facility managers, clinical veterinarians and the ACC.

What happens to the animals subsequently the research?

Depending on the requirements of the enquiry, animals may exist humanely euthanized, released (wild studies only), adopted out, or held until the end of their natural lifespan (and then humanely euthanized). Periodically, subcontract animals used in research may exist transferred to local farms later inspection past a UBC veterinary.  As the majority of animals used in research at UBC are fish and rodents, virtually are humanely euthanized when an investigation is completed. This allows the researchers to obtain as much valuable data as possible, and go along this information for future analyses then a study does non need to be repeated. These data cannot be obtained in other ways (e.g. the analysis of tissues for effects not astringent enough to effect in clinical symptoms, the study of tissues which cannot exist accessed for samples in living humans (due east.grand. encephalon)). In some cases, when studies are minimally invasive (east.thou. breeding) the Animal Care Committee volition permit researchers to use animals in farther studies.

Can animals be adopted out?

Animals can be adopted out on a instance by instance ground. Decisions regarding adopting animals are made past the ACC and the University Veterinarian. Animals must be salubrious, as assessed by a veterinarian, and they must get to a dwelling that tin can ensure appropriate care.

How are animals euthanized?

Humane methods of euthanasia are required by the Canadian Quango on Animal Care. Typically, the animal is offset sedated or anesthetized and then given a lethal dose of anesthetic. This method ensures the beast feels no pain.

In some cases, if the scientific outcome of the report will be compromised past use of an anesthetic drug, animals are killed quickly without coldhearted. Such procedures must have stiff scientific justification to be approved, and they require specific grooming.

UBC has developed SOPs on euthanasia that can be found here: https://animalcare.ubc.ca/animal-care-commission/policies-and-guidelines

Where can I go more than information?