Additional resources related to severe suffering

In additional to material tailored specifically for researchers, animal technologists or veterinarians and members of AWERBs/AWBs we have also included further supplementary materials pertinent to understanding and reducing severe suffering.

In this section, information on cumulative severity and the lifetime experience of animals used in research can be found along with more detailed information on mortality and humane endpoints. Additionally there are links to a range of reports and materials that relate specifically to severe suffering or to the 3Rs more generally.

Meetings

Focus on Severe Suffering - Brussels 2016

We organised a unique event - Focus on Severe Suffering - in Brussels during June 2016, which brought together 150 participants from governments, regulatory bodies, industry and academia across 24 countries. The aim was to help those involved in the regulation, use and care of animals in science to recognise, and reduce the impact of, research and testing using animals which currently falls into the highest severity category. We received very positive feedback after the meeting and are hoping to organise a follow-on event.

Focus on Severe Suffering - Berlin 2017

Avoiding death - Cambridge 2017

Reports: refinement of severe procedures

These reports address specific welfare issues related to models and procedures that have the potential to cause severe suffering. They are the output of expert working groups comprised of academic and industry researchers, animal technologists, veterinarians and welfare scientists. To date four RSPCA groups have been formed with further groups to be established. If you would like more information about these or future groups please contact research.animals@rspca.org.uk

Cardiovascular research

Emerson (2010) ‘Refinement, reduction and replacement approaches to in vivo cardiovascular research’. British Journal of Pharmacology, 161, 749-754.

Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)

Wolfensohn et al. (2013).'Reducing suffering in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)'. Journal of Pharmacological & Toxicological Methods, 67, 169-176.

Neuropathic pain

Percie du Sert & Rice (2014). ‘Improving the translation of analgesic drugs to the clinic: animal models of neuropathic pain’. British Journal of Pharmacology, 161, 749-754.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Hawkins et al. (2015). 'Applying refinement to the use of mice and rats in rheumatoid arthritis research'. Inflammopharmacology, 23, 131-150.

Seizures, convulsions and epilepsy

Lidster et al (2016). ‘Opportunities for improving animal welfare in rodent models of epilepsy and seizures’. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 260, 2-25.

Modebadze et al (2016). ‘A Low Mortality, High Morbidity Reduced Intensity Status Epilepticus (RISE) Model of Epilepsy and Epileptogenesis in the Rat’. PLoS ONE 11(2): e0147265. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0147265.

Wolfensohn et al. (2013). 'Reducing suffering in animal models and procedures involving seizures, convulsions and epilepsy'. Journal of Pharmacological & Toxicological Methods, 67, 9–15.

Sepsis

Lilley et al. (2015). 'Refinement of animal models of sepsis and septic shock'. Shock, 43, 304-316.

Vaccine potency

Hendriksen (2009) ‘Replacement, reduction and refinement alternatives to animal use in vaccine potency measurement’. Expert Review of Vaccines, 8, 313-322