Animal-based research at UW-Madison and WPRC

Like all major research universities, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has extensive programs of research in nearly all branches of science. In the agricultural, medical, behavioral and biological sciences, research inquiries often call for the use of animals as models because no effective alternatives exist.

Without animal research, many of the country's biggest medical breakthroughs would not have been possible. Those include a vaccine for polio, insulin treatments for diabetics, medication for high blood pressure, kidney dialysis, and chemotherapy treatments for cancer and leukemia. Animal research is required to test new medical treatments and surgical techniques for efficacy and to test new drugs for safety.

At UW-Madison, such research has led to many important discoveries: New organ preservation and transplant techniques; potential new treatments for degenerative diseases through stem cell therapies; and the development of life-prolonging blood anticoagulants. All of these important Wisconsin projects depended on the use of animals in research. Animal models for chronic and life-threatening diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, atherosclerosis, a variety of cancers and AIDS are helping scientists to devise more sensitive and accurate diagnostic tools and to develop better treatments.

Primate Research at UW-Madison

The Wisconsin Primate Research Center, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is one of eight federally sponsored primate centers in the United States. The center is part of the UW-Madison Graduate School and has strong research and teaching links across campus, including medicine, letters and science, agriculture and veterinary medicine disciplines. The center's mission is to advance fundamental knowledge in primate biology to address major health concerns. Those include new therapies or cures for AIDS, infertility, pregnancy complications, obesity, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrom, diabetes, Parkinson's, osteoporosis, glaucoma, and environmental influences on people and animals.

The nearby Harlow Center for Biological Psychology supports primate research by faculty from several departments, including psychology, psychiatry and kinesiology, who share a common interest in infant and child development. The center works to better understand the prenatal and postnatal factors that promote normal behavioral development and health. Current studies include investigations of how the pregnant female's psychobiological state affects fetal development; and the influence of rearing conditions on the development of an infant's immune system.

Scope of Research

UW-Madison received $583.50 million in total research funding in 2003-2004, a significant portion of which depended on animal use. Most research funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services. Other funding agencies include the National Science Foundation, the USDA, the Food and Drug Administration, and a variety of industries. Research activities provide training for undergraduate and graduate students and employment for a large number of Wisconsin residents, either directly or indirectly.

Research Animal Regulation, Policy and Administration

UW-Madison is governed by and strictly adheres to stringent federal statutes and regulations regarding the care and use of laboratory animals for both teaching and research. At the federal level, both NIH (through the Public Health Service) and the USDA oversee the policies and statutes governing the care and use of laboratory animals and the university is subject to unannounced spot checks by inspectors from those agencies. The university must also submit an annual assurance statement to the U.S. Public Health Service and an annual report to USDA. The university must abide by USDA standards published in the "Federal Register" which are continually being updated, and the Public Health Service policy set forth in the NIH "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals."

Responsibility for adherence to federal statutes and guidelines as well as university policies lies with the Research Animal Resources Center, an all-campus Animal Care Committee and the animal care and use committees established by the various schools and colleges.

Prior to any procedure involving animals, UW-Madison researchers are required to submit, in writing, a description of all research protocols for review by the animal care and use committee of the appropriate school or college. All proposed protocols must be approved before the research can take place.

Animal Care

Care of animals used in research is provided by a dedicated and well-trained staff of veterinarians and animal care technicians. Veterinarians affiliated with the Research Animal Resources Center are responsible for overseeing the responsible care and use of laboratory animals. In addition, all UW-Madison faculty and staff engaged in research employing animal models must be certified by the university through the successful completion of an exam on the responsible use and care of animals. Full time animal caretakers are also strongly encouraged to complete a 16-week course on animal care. UW-Madison's research program is fully accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC International).