ESLAV/ECLAM/LAVA/EVERI recommendations for the roles, responsibilities and training of the laboratory animal veterinarian and the designated veterinarian under Directive 2010/63/EU

Abstract

Directive 2010/63/EU was adopted in September 2010 by the European Parliament and Council, and became effective in January 2013. It replaces Directive 86/609/EEC and introduces new requirements for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. In particular, it requires that establishments that breed, supply or use laboratory animals have a designated veterinarian (DV) with expertise in laboratory animal medicine, or a suitably qualified expert where more appropriate, charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being and treatment of the animals. This paper is a report of an ESLAV/ECLAM/LAVA/EVERI working group that provides professional guidance on the role and postgraduate training of laboratory animal veterinarians (LAVs), who may be working as DVs under Directive 2010/63/EU. It is also aimed at advising employers, regulators and other persons working under the Directive on the role of the DV. The role and responsibilities of the DV include the development, implementation and continuing review of an adequate programme for veterinary care at establishments breeding and/or using animals for scientific purposes. The programme should be tailored to the needs of the establishment and based on the Directive's requirements, other legislations, and current guidelines in laboratory animal medicine. Postgraduate laboratory animal veterinary training should include a basic task-specific training module for DVs to complement veterinary competences from graduation, and continuing professional development on the basis of a gap analysis. A tiered approach to further training in laboratory animal veterinary medicine and science offers career development pathways that are mutually beneficial to LAVs and establishments.

Importance of Welfare and Ethics Competence Regarding Animals Kept for Scientific Purposes to Veterinary Students in Australia and New Zealand

“…Veterinarians who are willing to provide input and advice on the management of research animals should be familiar with concepts such as cost-benefit analysis, experimental design, and application of the 3Rs [ 5 ]. The AWE issues associated with humane endpoints are also well recognized, and students’ understanding may stem from their appreciation of animal sentience and experience with similar issues in companion animal practice, where veterinarians must take some responsibility for appropriate end-of-life decisions.…”

“…Although the use of animals for scientific purposes still attracts debate, as described below, the current regulatory position in most western countries allows regulated animal use to occur because of the perceived benefits in generating new knowledge and in the development of therapies for humans and animals alike [ 5 ]. Animals kept for scientific purposes include those used for the education of animal science, biomedical, and veterinary students in a variety of contexts.…”

Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations recommendations of best practices for the health management of ruminants and pigs used for scientific and educational purposes

“…The importance of an experienced, competent attending veterinarian who has clinical experience with the species of interest and is aware of the requirements arising from the research programme is paramount for the optimal functioning of the facility. 41,42 All personnel working in the facility should be able to recognise clinical signs of disease, pain and distress, assess emergencies and have adequate knowledge and understanding of the species involved and the hygienic management of the research facility. They should receive appropriate initial training with regular refreshers, in which the attending veterinarian should be actively involved.…”

The Bodies in Charge of Animal Welfare: What They Do and What They Could Do?

“…The European Commission guidelines regarding the functions of the members of the AWB, were also officially implemented by the Member States in February 2014 (National Competent Authorities for the implementation of Directive 2010/63/EU) and, even if not binding, clarify many aspects related to the professional profile of the Supervisor of Animal Welfare and the infrastructures (the former Supervisors of the User Establishment) and the Appointed Veterinarian. For the latter, professional associations got to work to have the meaning of the definition “Veterinarian skilled in laboratory animals” (Poirier et al, 2015 ), introduced by the provision (Art. 24), clarified.…”