What strategies can be employed to reduce animal numbers?

Several strategies can be employed to reduce the number of animals in epidemiological studies:

Refinement of Study Design: Using advanced statistical methods, such as mixed models or repeated measures, can provide more information from fewer animals.
Pilot Studies: Conducting small-scale preliminary studies can help refine the experimental design and reduce the number of animals needed in the main study.
Alternative Models: Where possible, using alternative models such as in vitro systems or computer simulations can reduce the reliance on animal studies.
Sharing Data: Collaborating with other researchers and sharing data can prevent duplication of studies and reduce the overall number of animals used.