We have ensured that there is, to the extent practical, minimization of pain and consideration of alternatives to painful procedures, but we haven't given minimization of distress equal due. We're trying to remedy that.
Distress is an adverse condition resulting from an unrelieved stressor.
More than 2,500 individuals and special interest groups replied to the agency's request for comments. The AVMA, National Association for Biomedical Research, and American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine are representative of groups that believe additional federal guidelines will not necessarily lead to improved treatment of laboratory animals. The Humane Society of the United States, however, argues that the classification system is significantly flawed, and has recommended comprehensive improvements. There are those in the biomedical research community who worry that anything more than an academic explanation of distress, and minor adjustments to the classification system, will add to their regulatory burden by requiring additional reporting of a complex condition for which there is little agreement. The association represents more than 350 public and private universities, medical and veterinary schools, teaching hospitals, voluntary health agencies, and pharmaceutical companies.