During the executive session, the visiting veterinarian described her concerns to the site visit team. She said that since rats and dogs were part of the grant request, she could not in good conscience recommend approval of that part of the grant. There was some discussion, but in the end, the site visitors agreed that the parasites added an unwanted variable to the research, and might only be indicative of additional problems in the future. As a result, the site team did not approve animal studies in the grant, and the budget was dramatically reduced. Take Care of Business Scott A. Mischler, DVM, PhD Great Eastern University s dilemma raises a number of important questions.
Some organizations define animal welfare as guaranteeing the health and well-being of animals.
Based on this definition, internal parasite infection would be an animal welfare issue, warranting the institution of plans and procedures to resolve the problem. The literature documents the negative impact of pinworms and other roundworms on health, as well as research. Another consideration is whether investigators should transport animals through public hallways. It is unfortunate that the institution cannot provide laboratory space adjacent to animal housing areas. It may be possible to designate quarantine areas within the animal facility or provide study areas and satellite animal housing areas outside the animal facility, thus keeping transported animals isolated from other critical animal facility colonies.