Guidelines for the use of fishes in research

摘要

The use of live animals, including fish, in research is opposed by select groups of vocal individuals, usually based on personal beliefs concerning animal "rights" or concern that the animals may be experiencing pain, fear, or other forms of suffering. In addition to such concerns, which typically are based on anthropomorphic perceptions, research scientists recognize that there are legitimate concerns that stressed animals may lead to confounded research results. In the United States, and to varyingdegrees in other countries, concerns for the welfare of animals used in research have led to the development of institutional oversight committees (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, or IACUCs) that have responsibilities for reviewing proposed research projects, animal holding facilities and all details concerning experimental procedures to which the animals may be subjected. The lACUCs typically have authority to stop research if they believe that appropriate standards for animal welfareare not being observed.