A recent study published in 'Frontiers in Veterinary Science' highlights the crucial role of attending veterinarians (AVs) in improving both the research capabilities and psychological well-being of researchers in animal research institutions. As the use of laboratory animals in biomedical research has increased from 2.5 million in 2015 to 4.9 million in 2021 in the U.S., ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and the mental health of researchers have emerged, particularly regarding stress and compassion fatigue associated with handling distressed animals.
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AVs are essential for ensuring the welfare of laboratory animals, overseeing their housing, health, and nutritional needs. Their involvement is mandated or recommended in developed countries, positively impacting animal welfare and researchers. By monitoring animal health, educating researchers on pain management, and addressing post-surgical care, AVs help mitigate the emotional toll of euthanasia procedures and foster positive workplace cultures.
The study emphasizes that programs aimed at the rehoming of animals post-experimentation can also alleviate the psychological burden on researchers, providing alternatives to euthanasia. AVs contribute to workplace well-being by offering social support and peer counseling, crucial for maintaining mental health in research environments.
The literature review and expert interviews revealed significant findings on the stress experienced by researchers when dealing with animal pain and the ethical dilemmas associated with animal experimentation. Researchers reported increased compassion fatigue, heightened anxiety, and moral stress when required to euthanize animals they cared for, especially during challenging circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study calls for greater recognition of AVs in animal research, advocating for their employment across all research facilities to ensure a consistent focus on animal welfare and researcher mental health. It also highlights the need for continued education and ethical guidelines surrounding animal management practices to better support both animals and the researchers dedicated to their care.