UK-based scientists researching new ways to reduce the number of mice used in lab tests

The RSPCA and leading funders of medical research are calling on scientists to share information and animals more in order to help reduce the increasing number of genetically-altered (GA) mice used in experiments.

Organisations including the RSPCA, Medical Research Council, and Cancer Research UK are launching new guidance in the form of a booklet aimed at scientists working with animals.

The number of GA mice used in scientific procedures has been rising significantly and so the sharing and archiving of such animals is becoming an increasingly important means of both reducing and refining animal use to minimise suffering.

The most recent Home Office figures show more scientific procedures were carried out on animals in 2007 than any year since 1991. This is largely due to the increasing use of GA animals, which were used in 1.46 million regulated procedures in 2007 (46 percent of all procedures).

The new booklet, which contains information on what to archive and when, how to archive and how to share, along with a list of useful resources, is supported by the Government.

Home Office Minister Meg Hillier said: "The Government strongly supports initiatives that lead to greater implementation of the 3Rs [replacement, reduction, refinement]. I therefore welcome this report and the constructive liaison between the major funding bodies and the RSPCA in working towards this goal.

“The number of genetically-altered mice used in scientific procedures has risen consistently over recent years and this trend appears to be continuing. Whilst the use of these mice has enabled significant advances in science, this increasing use raises practical, scientific and ethical issues.

“As more novel genetically-altered mouse lines are produced, and their use becomes more widespread, the sharing and archiving of information and material related to these animals is becoming an increasingly important means of both reducing animal use and of refining procedures to improve animal welfare.”

More at: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/media/releases2009/090311_reduce_number_of_mice.html