f6098d8b__and_Use_of_Laboratory_Animals__Comments
[ID] 301 [Entry Date] 04/20/2011 at 04:56:31 PM [Affiliation] Self [Comments] 
Comment 1: I cannot recommend acceptance of this document in it's current form. The document represents a drastic change from historical version switching from advisory to regulatory. Further, the cost of implementation, particularly with respect to rodent housing, will have marked implications on the quantity and quality of research that can be performed as housing facilities will host less animals, there will be a significant increase in initial capital requirements - at a time that my institution is facing another 92 million dollar budget cut (and has already sustained 120+ million in cuts in the previous 4 years) and the obvious increase in the costs of animals will have major implications on our research funding in this grant period and beyond. Implementation of this guide at the current time is ill-advised and in many cases (admittedly, within the document) based on poor scientific evidence. Animal research models are critical for the long term implementation of NIH-funded research, as well as research funded by other organizations, and the long-term effects that the new version of the guide would have on such research could be devastating. I strongly urge you not to consider this guide until significant c hanges are made.
Listing of Public Comments on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals