347 © 2005 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Animal Welfare 2005, 14: 347-359 The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, ISSN 0962-7286 Hertfordshire AL4 8AN, UK The use of databases, information centres and guidelines when planning research that may involve animals AJ Smith*† and T Allen‡ † Laboratory Animal Unit, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway ‡ Animal Welfare Information Center, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA * Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints:
[email protected] Abstract 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 welfare, database, guidelines, information centre, laboratory animal welfare, Three Rs Introduction methods to the use of animals in research and teaching are Many countries now have regulations that require also discussed. A brief description of the information researchers to document that they have conducted a search included in this paper, and all the relevant web-links, can be for possible alternatives when applying for permission to found in the Appendix, pp 356-359.