Information

September 25, 1997

Dr. J. Z. Losos
Assistant Deputy Minister Health Canada Health Protection Building Tunney's Pasture Ottawa, K1A 0L2

Dear Dr. Losos,

Following a request by Dr. G. Paterson and Dr. R. Raphael, I conducted a Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) special visit to the Health Protection Branch (HPB) of Health Canada on September 24, 1997, accompanied by Ms. M.  Bédard, CCAC assessment coordinator, to meet with Drs. Paterson and Raphael and with Dr. P. Thibert.

During our meeting, several points were discussed in relation to the non-human primates held in the animal facilities of HPB. The fact that the fate of the macaque breeding colony is presently under consideration by the Royal Society of Canada and that the entire health protection program will be undergoing review by an independent Science Advisory Board has raised questions about the ongoing work with the non-human primates. It was explained to the institutional representatives that no matter what decisions are taken in relation to scientific or institutional objectives, it is essential that principles of good veterinary care always be followed for all animals. In particular, in the case of any animal that is judged by veterinary staff to be in unrelievable distress, the veterinarians must have the authority to proceed with humane euthanasia of the animal. As stated in the CCAC Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals, Volume 1 (2nd Edn. 1993), Appendix XV - Ethics of Animal Investigation, p. 199, "An animal observed to be experiencing severe, unrelievable pain or discomfort, should immediately be humanely killed". CCAC policy is also based upon the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine (CALAM) Statement on "Adequate Veterinary Care". In the CALAM Statement, it is indicated that "Following diagnosis of an animal disease, the veterinarian must have the authority to use appropriate treatment, control measures, or euthanasia" (Section 3 f, p.3).

I would be pleased to provide any further information on this or any other matter pertaining to experimental animal care and use.

Yours sincerely,

G. Demers, D.M.V., M.Sc.

Associate Director of Assessments
Canadian Council on Animal Care