Summary
Increased collaboration between investigators at different
institutions has increased the number of laboratory animals being
transported. The current system of laws and regulations governing
animal shipments is inconsistent and government agencies often have
areas of overlapping regulatory management. Furthermore, the lack
of industry-wide shipping standards and good practices contributes
to confusion among those responsible for shipment. One answer to
these quality control issues would be the establishment of independent,
industry-regulated 'good practices' for animal transport, similar
to those used in laboratories for experimental design. These good
practices could be based on the existing International Air Transport
Association Live Animals Regulations, with contributions from representatives
of the specialties involved. Additionally, quality control under
the current system of patchwork regulations could be improved if
each institution, both academic and commercial, would designate
a single point of contact to follow each shipment from start to
finish.
Keywords
Air
transportation, Animal, Animal welfare, Humane transport, Laboratory,
Transportation, Regulation, Shipment, Welfare.
|