Adverse effects in animals and their relevance to refining scientific procedures (1990)

Morton, D. B.

Abstract

The author highlights areas in which suffering can be prevented, alleviated and avoided. The terms pain, stress, eustress, distress and fear are clearly defined to help in determining animal suffering. One has to recognize suffering by non-verbal means, i.e. through observing changes in behaviour patterns and in physiology. ... I have tried to highlight in a general way the areas in which refinement, with the specific aim of reducing laboratory animal pain, distress and anxiety, can be achieved. Important aspects are good husbandry and housing which meet the animals' behavioural needs, careful and gentle handling, competence in carrying out scientific procedures, and alleviation of unwanted side-effects.