RESPONSIBILITY FOR HUMANE ANIMAL RESEARCH (cont)
The veterinarian has the primary responsibility to develop and maintain a program of adequate veterinary care. This includes consultation with scientists and also supervision of disease control programs, animal husbandry, the use of anesthetic and analgesic drugs and proper methods of euthanasia.
The veterinarian must be familiar with the institution's research program and be able to communicate with principal investigators in developing appropriate methods for reducing pain and distress in research animals. The veterinarian's expertise may help the investigator in preparing their research proposal for critical review by the committee.