Guidelines for the use and reuse of animals for teaching within veterinary medical education programs

Abstract

Use and reuse of animals for educational purposes could adversely affect animal welfare. Guidelines for quantifying, monitoring, and planning the use and reuse of animals have been developed. Within this framework, animals are assigned points for usage, with more points being allocated to procedures that may have a greater adverse effect on animal welfare. Usage of individual animals is limited to a maximum of 8 points in a calendar week, 24 points in a month, or 60 points within a 16-week study period and any associated examination period. Advantages and disadvantages of the system are discussed, while modifications are expected as knowledge emerges on the impacts of procedures on animal welfare.