American Physiological Society endorses report on random source dogs and cats

Immediate action needed to ensure no disruption of research

BETHESDA, Md.—The American Physiological Society (APS; www.the-aps.org) announced today that it has endorsed the recommendation of a National Academy of Sciences* (NAS) report calling for the identification of new suppliers to replace Class B dealers as providers of random source dogs and cats for medical research.

"Class B" is a broad category of licensure required by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that applies to individuals who buy and sell animals that they do not breed and raise themselves. There are currently about a dozen Class B dealers who provide dogs and cats for medical and veterinary research and training and the development of veterinary drugs. The APS says that "immediate actions" are needed to identify or develop new suppliers of random source dogs and cats so that these activities may continue without disruption. A statement adopted by the APS Council on October 26, 2009 (http://www.the-aps.org/pa/resources/policyStmnts/paPolicyStmnts_dogscats.htm) underscores the importance of dogs and cats as research subjects: "These animals remain critical for health research to alleviate serious and life-threatening conditions that afflict humans and animals," the statement said.

Background

Most of the dogs and cats needed for research are specifically bred for that purpose, but some non-purpose bred or "random source" animals are also needed because these animals exhibit traits that are difficult to replicate in purpose-bred animals. Very old animals or ones with pre-existing health conditions, and exposure to viruses, allergens, or parasites may be needed to study age-related conditions or diseases that cannot be artificially induced. At one time local animal control facilities were willing to make such animals available for research, but nearly two dozen states and many municipalities—including many where the affected research is being done—now have laws prohibiting that practice.