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The use of databases, information centres and guidelines when planning research that may involve animals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2023

AJ Smith  and
T Allen
AJ Smith*
Affiliation:
Laboratory Animal Unit, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway
T Allen
Affiliation:
Animal Welfare Information Center, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
*
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: [email protected]
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Abstract

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In many countries scientists planning research that may involve the use of animals are required by law to examine the possibilities for replacement, reduction or refinement (the Three Rs) of these experiments. In addition to the large number of literature databases, there are now many specialist databases specifically addressing the Three Rs. Information centres, with a mandate to assist scientists and lay people locate information on the Three Rs, have also been established. Email discussion lists and their archives constitute another, although less quality-controlled, source of information. Furthermore, guidelines for the care and use of animals in research have been produced both by regulatory bodies and scientific organisations. The growth of the internet has put an enormous amount of data into the public domain, and the problems of accessing relevant information are discussed. Suggestions are also given for search strategies when using these information sources.

Keywords

animal welfaredatabaseguidelinesinformation centrelaboratory animal welfareThree Rs
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 14 , Issue 4 , November 2005 , pp. 347 - 359
Copyright
© 2005 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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