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  • Animal Research Outreach at Wake | AROW

Animal Research Outreach at Wake | AROW Advocating for responsible, ethical, and highly regulated animal research

Wake Forest School of Medicine Program for Animal Welfare

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    Amazing things made possible by animal research 

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    Nearly every medical breakthrough involves animal testing and research.

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    Why Animal Research Matters to Everyone

    Animal research is vitally important in understanding how a healthy body works and how diseases, illnesses, and injuries affect that body in both humans and other animals.  Animal research has made possible virtually all the medications, medical devices, surgeries, treatments, and therapies we need when we are sick or injured.

     


     

    Animals benefit from this research too. Animal vaccines (to prevent rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and feline leukemia), veterinary drugs (for cancer, heart disease, and infections), advanced surgical procedures and imaging technologies are example of advances in veterinary medicine due to animal research.

    In order to study animals, scientists must explain to a regulatory approval committee why alternatives will not work. Alternatives to animals (like cell cultures, computer modeling, and organ-on-a-chip technology) are used whenever possible. But these alternatives cannot duplicate the complexity of a living organism—only animals can give us that.  Animal research is only done when it is truly necessary and under humane conditions. Whenever possible, Wake Forest will adopt out healthy, post-study research animals into long term, caring private homes, farms, or sanctuaries. 

    At Wake Forest, our scientists and veterinarians are committed to responsible and ethical research. A very important part of that commitment is our dedication to providing all research animals with the highest standards of care and respect. 

     

    Our Commitment to Animal Welfare

    We conduct research with the aim of improving human and animal health. We include animals in research because it is necessary to advance our understanding and treatment of disease and only if no other alternatives are available. We conscientiously incorporate the 3 Rs of Reducing animal numbers, Replacing animal studies with alternatives and Refining techniques. Our commitment to the health and well-being of our research animals is demonstrated by the culture of compassion and care that we promote by employing highly qualified research, veterinary and care staff and by maintaining state-of-the-art facilities. Our goal is to ensure that animals at Wake Forest are always treated ethically and humanely.

    White Rat

    Shared Vision

    Researchers throughout the country are working to advance medical discoveries under thorough regulatory oversight, moving science forward while treating animals humanely. 

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    How We Care For Our Animals

     

    Good animal care and good science go hand in hand. 

    Everyone involved with animals in research has the responsibility to care about the animals’ welfare. At Wake Forest, animals are treated with compassion and respect, with attention given to their daily physical and psychological needs as well as their safety.

     

    Technician exercising ferrets

    Technician exercising ferrets

    Veterinarians with specialized training in laboratory animal medicine, along with veterinary technicians, provide medical care for our animals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Our animal care staff provides expert husbandry. A team of Environmental Enrichment Specialists provides species-appropriate enrichment (toys, food, etc.) to animals so they can engage in their normal behaviors.

        Sheep

    A dedicated Laboratory Animal Training Coordinator provides hands-on training to research and animal care staff on how to properly handle animals and on various procedures. 
    The use of animals is highly regulated with numerous national, regional and local laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines set in place. Our animal research program is fully accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC), which upholds the highest standards of welfare for research animals and is the gold standard for programs like ours. 

     

    Kittens at play

    The goal of everyone involved with animal research at WF is to make sure that animals are always treated ethically, humanely and with respect.

     

     


     

    All studies with animals require review and approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

    It is made up of veterinarians, scientists, lay persons and representatives from our local community. The IACUC ensures 

    — the number of animals requested for each study is scientifically justified and minimal
    — procedures meet or exceed current veterinary standards
    — all appropriate steps are taken to prevent, minimize or eliminate risks to our animals. 

    In addition, the Animal Oversight & Outreach unit is responsible for ensuring compliance through quality assurance monitoring of ongoing research.

    Questions about Animal Research Outreach at Wake?

    The Animal Research Oversight and Outreach team, led by Assistant Director Colleen Bennett, is happy to answer your questions! Reach out today.

    Email Us Now

    Connect with CTSI

    Wake Forest University School of Medicine

    Research Administration / CTSI
    486 North Patterson
    Winston-Salem, NC 27101
    CTSI@wakehealth.edu
    Phone: 336-716-1195 | Fax: 336-716-1358

    Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)
    1st Floor, Meads Hall
    1 Medical Center Boulevard
    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157
    Phone: 336-716-2382 | Fax: 336-716-4480 

    Institutional Review Board (IRB)
    8th Floor, Hanes Building
    1 Medical Center Boulevard
    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157
    Phone: 336-716-4542 | Fax: 336-716-9902 

    Institutional Animal Care and
    Use Committee (IACUC)
    2nd Floor, Lockland Avenue
    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27106
    Phone: 336-716-3540 

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    Disclaimer: All research and clinical material published by Wake Forest School of Medicine on its site is for informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. Wake Forest School of Medicine will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.

    Wake Forest School of Medicine Research Administration / Clinical and Translational Science Institute 486 N. Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101. All Rights Reserved.

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