Facilitation of an International Approach for Data Sharing and Acquisition in Relation to Genetically-Engineered Animals

In 1997, the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) published CCAC guidelines on: transgenic animals. Because this was recognized to be a rapidly evolving field, a commitment was made to revise the guidelines within a few years. CCAC is now working on guidelines: genetically-engineered animals. This paper outlines some of the changes that are being proposed in the new guidelines; in particular, the need for detailed information on the characteristics of the animals, in order to improve the well-being of the animals and to meet the scientific goals of the studies for which they have been created. Internationally, several groups are currently working on guidelines in this area.