Question 1

Refining Research to Improve the Lives of Laboratory Mice

Accepted Answer

As part of a series called Frontiers for Young Minds, Paulin Jirkof has written an educational resource for kids about refined mouse handling called Refining Research to Improve the Lives of Laboratory Mice

Question 2

NC3Rs Webinar: 3Rs advice for project licence applicants

Accepted Answer

All scientific work carried out in the UK under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 must be part of a programme of work authorised by a project licence. An important part of the ethical review and licensing process is ensuring that the principles of the 3Rs are robustly applied. In order to achieve this, when applying for a project licence, applicants are asked to detail how they have considered and applied the 3Rs to their research. To learn more about the 3Rs and how they can drive better science and animal welfare, view this video presentation from the NC3Rs.

https://vimeo.com/438220000

Find more 3Rs guidance for project licence applicants at nc3rs.org.uk/PPLadvice.

Question 3

The Interspecies Database

Accepted Answer

https://www.interspeciesinfo.com/

The Interspecies Database helps researchers to make an optimal choice of species and strain of the animal model, which is essential for efficient extrapolation of animal data to humans or other animals.

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/hwAzJt6PVl/resources/P8pc5vf4S0/banner-2.png (mouse)

The Interspecies Database is part of the 3Rs Database Programme, together with www.humane-endpoints.info and fcs-free.org. These websites will help you with the refinement and replacement of animal experiments, respectively.

Question 4

Focus and facts on the 3Rs

Accepted Answer

The Swedish 3Rs have a page with lots of multimedia resources on the 3Rs, including articles, films, and interviews.

They produce short pedagogic films about how advanced cell models and computer models can be used to replace and reduce animal experimentation.

jordbruksverket.se/languages/english/the-swedish-3rs-center/focus-and-facts

Question 5

The NC3Rs Macaque Website

Accepted Answer

Information and practical guidance on the natural history and behaviour of macaques, their care and management in captivity, and ways to assess their welfare. A free resource for everyone who works with, or is interested in, laboratory macaques.

https://macaques.nc3rs.org.uk

Question 6

Identifying obstacles preventing the uptake of tunnel handling methods for laboratory mice: An international thematic survey

Accepted Answer

Identifying obstacles preventing the uptake of tunnel handling methods for laboratory mice: An international thematic survey

Lindsay J. Henderson, Tom V. Smulders, Johnny V. Roughan
Published: April 14, 2020
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231454

Abstract

Handling of laboratory mice is essential for experiments and husbandry, but handling can increase anxiety in mice, compromising their welfare and potentially reducing replicability between studies. The use of non-aversive handling (e.g., tunnel handling or cupping), rather than the standard method of picking mice up by the tail, has been shown to enhance interaction with a handler, reduce anxiety-like behaviours, and increase exploration and performance in standard behavioural tests. Despite this, some labs continue to use tail handling for routine husbandry, and the extent to which non-aversive methods are being used is currently unknown. Here we conducted an international online survey targeting individuals that work with and/or conduct research using laboratory mice. The survey aimed to identify the handling methods currently being used, and to determine common obstacles that may be preventing the wider uptake of non-aversive handling. We also surveyed opinions concerning the current data in support of non-aversive handling for mouse welfare and scientific outcomes. 390 complete responses were received and analysed quantitatively and thematically. We found that 35% report using tail handling only, and 43% use a combination of tail and non-aversive methods. 18% of respondents reported exclusively using non-aversive methods. The vast majority of participants were convinced that non-aversive handling improves animal welfare and scientific outcomes. However, the survey indicated that researchers were significantly less likely to have heard of non-aversive handling and more likely to use tail handling compared with animal care staff. Thematic analysis revealed there were concerns regarding the time required for non-aversive methods compared with tail handling, and that there was a perceived incompatibility of tunnel handling with restraint, health checks and other routine procedures. Respondents also highlighted a need for additional research into the impact of handling method that is representative of experimental protocols and physiological indicators used in the biomedical fields. This survey highlights where targeted research, outreach, training and funding may have the greatest impact on increasing uptake of non-aversive handling methods for laboratory mice.

Question 7

Changing mouse handling practice at a university establishment - blog post

Accepted Answer

Lesley Gilmour is the University of Glasgow’s Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO), responsible for ensuring that all those working with animals are appropriately trained, supervised and competent. In this NC3Rs blog post, she shares her experience of implementing refined mouse handling across the institution, including some top tips.

nc3rs.org.uk/news/changing-mouse-handling-practice-university-establishment

Question 8

IAT Journal - Animal Technology & Welfare (ATW)

Accepted Answer

www.atwjournal.com

ATW publishes peer-reviewed articles allied to animal science and technology, management and education. Particular encouragement is given to authors submitting papers promoting the 3Rs leading to improvements in environmental enrichment and the care and welfare of genetically altered animals. ATW publishes technical notes describing new products, new or refined techniques and new developments. ATW publishes papers and posters presented at international meetings, opinion articles, book reviews and relevant texts. ATW promotes the dissemination of ‘good practice’. ATW promotes the recognition of Animal Technologists everywhere.

Official Journal of The Institute of Animal Technology and European Federation of Animal Technologists.

Question 9

Norecopa - Norway's online 3R centre

Accepted Answer

norecopa.no

Norecopa is Norway's National Consensus Platform for the advancement of "the 3 Rs" (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in connection with animal experiments. Norecopa was founded on 10 October 2007.

The website consists of approx. 10,000 pages and currently has approx. 300,000 page visits a year.
Norecopa maintains an International Meetings Calendar and a Newsfeed, and issues an electronic newsletter 7-8 times a year.
Norecopa has produced the PREPARE guidelines for planning animal research and testing.
Norecopa frequently arranges meetings about the use of animals in research, to advance the 3 Rs.

Question 10

NC3Rs introductory training video on the 3Rs

Accepted Answer

Any aspiring in vivo researcher or animal technician should have a firm understanding of how following the principles of the 3Rs can drive better science and improved animal welfare.

This 18 minute video presentation has been created by NC3Rs to serve as a foundation for this understanding, and to encourage scientists and animal technicians to consider and implement the 3Rs throughout their careers.

It is also an excellent primer for anyone interested to learn more about the 3Rs in principle and practice.

The video includes:

Definitions and explanations of each of the 'Rs'
Practical advice on how to implement the 3Rs throughout a research project
Video case studies of 3Rs research
Information on the various resources the NC3Rs provides to support anyone working with animals in research

https://vimeo.com/289645718

Demonstrating the 3Rs in principle and practice. nc3rs.org.uk

Question 11

Advice from the NC3Rs on the housing and husbandry of dogs

Accepted Answer

This page on the NC3Rs website provides advice on the housing of laboratory dogs, tools for their welfare assessment, and suggestions for refinement of procedures used in safety assessment studies.

https://www.nc3rs.org.uk/housing-and-husbandry-dogs