Current Status and Reflection on the Study of Welfare for Laboratory Fish

Abstract

In recent years, with the rapid development of life sciences, the use of laboratory fish in toxicology, genetics, developmental biology and medicine has increased dramatically, and they have gradually become important new model organisms. At the same time, the welfare of laboratory fish has also received increasing attention. Although the research level of experimental fish welfare is still in a relatively early stage compared to terrestrial experimental animals, developed regions such as Europe and America have established corresponding legal frameworks to safeguard the welfare of laboratory fish in research. This article elucidates the current developmental status of laboratory fish welfare, discusses the rationale behind the imperative to prioritize and enhance their welfare, deeply investigates factors influencing their welfare from the feeding stage and experimental stage. Moreover, it explores strategies for augmenting welfare standards, with the overarching aim of propelling the continual improvement of laboratory fish welfare in our country.

Keywords

• laboratory fish
• animal welfare
• husbandry conditions
• 3rs principles