Introduction

Veterinary technicians, animal care technicians, and laboratory assistants work hard every day to provide laboratory animals with food, water, social stimulation and a clean, comfortable habitat.

These caring professionals know that quality treatment and care of laboratory animals is the right thing to do, and it leads to better research results.

And better research results help scientists develop cures and treatments for ailments that impact humans and animals.

3 R's

The government and trade associations have set up laws, regulations, and policies  to make sure animals in research are treated with care.

One important regulation requires every institution that uses animals in research to have a special committee of people, including a veterinarian and a member of the public, review all the studies that use animals.

These committees make sure researchers are committed to supporting techniques that promote humane animal research by following a concept called the 3 Rs:

1. Reducing the number of animals needed in research.

2. Replacing animal experiments with those that do not require animals living animals.

3. Refining techniques to reduce pain and distress in laboratory animals.

Following the 3 Rs is a way to guarantee that research is conducted responsibly, scientists are using the fewest number of animals possible, and researchers are considering alternatives to animal research, including cell cultures and computer-generated models.

Learn more about the 3 Rs and alternatives to animal research by viewing the Kids 4 Research website  or viewing the AALAS Solitaire brochure.

Why do we use animals in research?

Although animals appear to be very different from us, their bodies work in many of the same ways ours do. Researchers who study animals discover information that can't be learned from other sources.

In the last century, most medical discoveries were possible because of animal research. To build on the great progress we've made in understanding and treating diseases, we need to continue these studies.

Cures for diseases such as cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and muscular dystrophy are in reach, thanks to the animals used in research.

Only through the humane use of animals in research can we hope to continue to improve the lives of both animals and humans.

What animals are used in research?

Laboratory mice are needed more often in research than any other animal species. Mice, rats, and zebrafish make up over 90% of the animals used in biomedical research.

However, mice, rats and fish may not always be the best animal model to use in certain experiments. In these cases, swine, fish, frogs, birds, dogs, cats, rabbits, sheep, nonhuman primates, or other animals may be used. All of these animals together make up less than 10% of the animals used in research.

Read below to learn more about the animals featured in the Critter Care game!

Rats

• Rats are one of the most commonly used animals in medical research. Approximately 90% of all animals in research are rats, mice, and fish.
• A popular research animal because they are small, inexpensive, and easy to house.
• Scientists can breed rats that mimic human diseases, which is an effective way for researchers to study human genetic disorders and diseases.
• Rats are nocturnal (active at night), social animals that like to live and play together
• Rats must be checked daily for signs of sickness, such as a rough coat, stained fur around eyes or nose, and decreased energy level or appetite.
• Rats like to hide and sleep in plastic tubes and houses. They like to forage for special treats mixed into their bedding.

Zebrafish

• Zebrafish are freshwater fish originally found in the Ganges River in East India and Burma.
• Researchers rate zebrafish as one of the most promising animal models for studying early development of vertebrates (animals with backbones).
• Like rats, zebrafish are easy to maintain and observe in the lab. Zebrafish embryos develop quickly, and go from a single cell to a tiny fish within 24 hours.
• Zebrafish embryos are produced in high numbers, develop outside the mother, and are clear, which allows researchers to observe the development of vital organs.
• Zebrafish are hardy freshwater fish, but water quality is important to keeping the fish healthy.
• Zebrafish use hiding places such as plants and rocks in their environment.

Swine

• Swine have a body structure and genetic make-up that closely resembles humans. Swine serve as research models for ailments such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.
• Scientists can breed swine with genetic alterations that mimic human diseases.
• Swine spend most of their time foraging and eating. They are sensitive animals that require special care and attention. They use heavy balls to play with and manipulate, and enjoy receiving special treats such as bananas and other fruits and vegetables.

African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis)

• The Xenopus frog is a hardy, tongueless, tailless, fully aquatic frog.
• Xenopus frogs rarely get sick, but poor water quality can lead to health problems. They are also very sensitive to changes in water temperature.
• Xenopus frogs like to have a place to hide in their aquarium, such as flower pots.

Pigeon

• Pigeons have been around for a long time—long before humans. They are thought to have originated in southern Asia several million years ago.
• Pigeons are most commonly needed in psychology research to model human behavior.
• Pigeons also helped researchers identify which species of mosquito transmits malaria to humans.
• Pigeons appreciate a nestbox and a variety of perches in their cage.