356 HUMANE TREATMENT OF ANIMALS USED IN RESEARCH 
CON SO is unique in the National Institutes of Health. Within NIH the Na- 
tional Cancer Institute is one of seven institutes eaeh of which uses from 7 to 12 
species of animals. CCNSC is the only agency in NIH that recognizes the im- 
portance of national planning and followup to insure a single high standard of 
care for animals. CCNSC provides planned management from breeding source 
through all experimental processes. 
In three installations, visited by WARDS, approximately 1 million mice are 
used each year (not all on the cancer program). These places demonstrate 
what can be accomplished through guidance and cooperation. Here efficient 
likenesses are more prevalent than differences. OONSC would be the first to 
admit that constant change for better service is its purpose. WARDS agrees 
that nothing should be static in this neglected department of animal husbandry 
where there is so much still unknown. 
We should no longer base our experimental findings on any animal that happens 
to be handy and allow it to be kept in as many ways as there are scientists. A 
national service department for all research animals is of immediate importance. 
We hope that this subject will be given the same legal status and organization 
provided to insure the use of these animals in research. 
Guided by scientists at the National Cancer Institute and those across the 
country the chemotherapy program represents the united effort of Congress, 
other Government agencies, lay groups, and drug firms. 
The report that follows is a description of some of the goals and results of 
CCNSC. It shows what is involved in the care of mice in research. It suggests 
also the situation that should exist for research animals under NIH and all re- 
search installations. 
GOALS OF THE ANIMAL CASE PROGRAM OF CCNSC 
1. To assemble facts needed to keep institutions informed concerning methods 
and improvements that advance the care and well-being of laboratory animals. 
2. To recommend measures that will be effective in advancing a high stand- 
ard of care through better housing, professional supervision, and trained care- 
takers. 
3. To give technical assistance to institutions for the improvement of care so 
that changes come as a result of understanding and interest. 
4. To administer the financial aid that the Cancer Institute appropriates each 
year for care. This includes costs estimate for maintaining animals in a uniform 
environment. To make the care of these animals a prime consideration in grant- 
ing contracts. These contracts include an agreement that the contractor will 
adhere to the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources minimum standards for 
the care of laboratory animals. In addition they agree to receive at least two 
animal quarter inspections visits each year. 
REASONS FOR THIS SERVICE 
The scientist of the National Cancer Institute knew that mice were affected by 
many different factors which in turn might influence the results of research find- 
ings. Mice are influenced by noise, exposure, crowding, bedding of the wrong 
kind, being caged singly instead of in groups and a whole list of other variations 
in care. Many years ago scientists observed that genetic background and en- 
vironment and variations of this pattern were a determining factor in results. 
They even learned that, on a long-term basis, boredom lessens the ability of the 
rat to respond normally. 
Note. — Cancer scientists faced the fact that care of the research animal is a 
highly technical operation that could only be adequately provided by careful 
planning. We are giving only the briefest suggestion of the factors that can nul- 
lify findings on these small uncomplicated animals. 
SOME RESULTS OF THIS CAREFUL CENTRAL PLANNING 
1. Standards : The CCNSC is responsible for the first standards in this country 
for the care of the research animal. These are the “Minimum Standards for Lab- 
oratory Mice” and were drawn up by ILAR. CCNSC already looks to and en- 
courages higher standards than these minimum. In this, WARDS concurs most 
heartily. 
2. Production costs are known, budget estimates are reviewed and the con- 
tractor is responsible for losses by disease or neglect in his colony of mice. 
