Additional flexibility will be needed to deal with some refinement issues. USDA could be asked to approve more multiple survival surgeries. Sharing of animals and information among investigators could be greatly facilitated by a good institutional database of ongoing research protocols. This database could also be used to identify investigators who are using particular techniques to notify them when alternatives to those techniques become available. We should look at a gradual process for changing equipment and making recommendations to PIs in regards to enrichment and refinement.
Money is a significant consideration in enrichment changes.
The UC Center for Animal Alternatives should provide leadership by conducting workshops on the various campuses, including both PIs and library personnel, on alternatives literature searches. For reluctant PIs we suggested obtaining a copy of their professional society's guiding principles. Use the zoo and animal agricultural resources for searching for Refinement alternatives. Educate the scientific community that due to political pressures and social changes, expectations are shifting towards improved animal care and less intrusive procedures.