Recommendations For The Development And Use Of Score Sheets As A Tool For Applied Refinement

In animal experiments pain, harm and suffering caused to the animals have to be limited to the indispensable minimum. Due to European and national legal provisions a prospective assessment of burden is obligatory during the authorization processes, which has to be reviewed and documented throughout the experiment. One suitable tool for this requirement is the use of Score Sheets with defined humane endpoints that reduce the suffering of laboratory animals. Thus Score Sheets serve as instruments for applied refinement.The Working Group of Berlin Animal Welfare Officers (Arbeitskreis Berliner Tierschutzbeauftragte e. V., AKBT) is giving support and guidance to applicants of animal experiments with the present revised guideline on this subject. The expert panel focusses on tabularly listed experimental specific symptoms, classification of symptoms as mild, moderate or severe according to legal requirements, and definition of humane endpoints and obligatory instructions for staff members. It is recommended to also consider symptoms that exceed the officially approved degree of burden so that immediate reaction according to determined instructions is possible in the interests of animal welfare.Specific training of staff members in animal projects according to the mentioned aspects ensures competent assessment and treatment of laboratory animals. Prospectively defined procedures and humane endpoints lead to objectified evaluations and reduced margins of discretion.The recommendations on Score Sheets, categories of burden and humane endpoints are available on the homepage of the Working Group of Berlin Animal Welfare Officers and may be used by animal welfare officers, scientists and representatives of authorities.