Sunday, 01 October 2023

VA to conduct in-depth internal review of existing canine research projects

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the Office of Research and Development (ORD) of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) extended its commitment to reduce future research on canines by initiating a rapid, in-depth internal review of existing canine research projects.

An external group will review these recommendations and provide VA with guiding principles for future canine research to assure benefits to veterans.

“We understand that this is a sensitive issue,” said VA Secretary David Shulkin, “We look forward to a time when research involving canines is no longer necessary to advance the health of our veterans and are taking action to hasten that day, but until then, the agency has a duty to do everything in its power to develop new treatments to preserve and restore our veterans’ health.”

Animal research at VA is strictly controlled and monitored with accountability mechanisms in place that comply with the same regulations and standards that university programs, state, private and military organizations use.

In the past 20 years, VA use of canines in research has been reduced significantly and continues to be reduced, as much as possible.

It is important to note that of thousands of VA research projects, fewer than 15 currently involve canines.

VA has always required medical relevance and justification for canine use, and in late 2017, VA instituted a policy that no new canine research would begin without approval of both, the chief research and development officer and the VA secretary.

As a result, new canine studies have not been initiated, and two new studies were required to use alternative models instead of canines.

VA is now reviewing existing studies using canines to determine whether the use of canines in these studies should be phased out in advance of their original end dates.

In addition, when canines are the only viable models, VA is proactively contacting the principal investigators leading these studies, requesting they develop plans to establish alternative models.

VA intends to fund development of canine alternatives, which will reduce the need for canine research within VA.

Upcoming Calendar

1Oct
10.01.2023 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Ron Green Memorial Benefit Concert
5Oct
10.05.2023 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Rotary Club of Middletown
Middletown Art Center
6Oct
10.06.2023 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
David Arkenstone & Friends in concert
7Oct
10.07.2023 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Sponsoring Survivorship Breast Cancer Run & Walk
7Oct
10.07.2023 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at the Mercantile
9Oct
9Oct
10.09.2023
Columbus Day
12Oct
10.12.2023 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Rotary Club of Middletown
Middletown Art Center
14Oct
10.14.2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Soap Box Derby
14Oct
10.14.2023 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at the Mercantile

Mini Calendar

loader

LCNews

Award winning journalism on the shores of Clear Lake. 

 

Newsletter

Enter your email here to make sure you get the daily headlines.

You'll receive one daily headline email and breaking news alerts.
No spam.