How does the Animal Welfare Act affect research protocols?
The AWA mandates that any research involving animals must adhere to strict protocols that minimize pain and distress. This includes the use of anesthesia, proper housing, and veterinary care. Researchers must submit a detailed animal use protocol for review by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This process ensures that the research is necessary, scientifically valid, and conducted in the most humane manner possible.
