Scientists should always be sensitive to the possibility of inflicting undue pain and distress in research animals. Also, USDA policy requires IACUCs to review proposed research activities to ensure consideration of alternatives by the principal investigator to painful or stressful procedures. This policy states that alternatives or alternative methods are generally regarded as those that incorporate some aspect of replacement, reduction, or refinement of animal use in pursuit of the minimization of animal pain and distress consistent with the goals of research. Potential alternatives that do not allow the attainment of the goals of the research are not, by definition, alternatives.
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