Vision 2002 | Research and Scholarship at The University of Montana-Missoula

Projects involving other animals currently under way in the Animal Research Lab include:

A study of rhesus monkeys by psychology faculty members that uses video games to monitor the learning process of the primates;
The use of sheep and rabbits by scientists from UM and St. Patrick Hospital to experiment with new heart surgery procedures;
Studies of worms to help determine the parasitic cause of whirling disease.

The lab’s newest addition is a surgical area, complete with heated cages and a $40,000 microscope, where animals with diseases or other problems can be treated.

While Weyhrich oversees all laboratory research at UM, he is quick to give credit to his staff of three caretakers and a surgical specialist for the day-to-day operations of the lab.

“The caretakers are the unsung heroes of the lab,” Weyhrich says. “They’re responsible for the daily care of the animals. They provide food and bedding and make sure the cages are clean. It’s kind of a thankless job. But the work the animal care staff does can have a great impact on research.

“They are kind of like the linemen of the football world. They’re in the trenches doing work that isn’t so glamorous.”

When talking of the world of animal research, Weyhrich repeatedly brings up the subject of regulations.

“We in the animal research world are very heavily regulated. We have reams and reams of federal regulations, as well as state and university policies, to follow,” he says. “Every institution that receives public funding needs to have in place at the university a system that not only reviews and approves any work utilizing animals, but also a process where animals are provided with the necessary care and husbandry that will allow the animals to be well-kept.

“That’s why we are so heavily regulated. We have people in place here, like myself and the animal care staff, to ensure that research done is conducted in a humane, dignified and scientific manner.”

All research projects involving animals must first be cleared by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, composed of UM faculty members, a veterinarian and a member of the community at large who is not affiliated with UM. The committee has full jurisdiction over the animal care program, Weyhrich says.

“It makes sure we adhere to rules and regulations,” he says. “And to avoid a conflict of interest, (the committee) is headed up by someone other than me.”

Twice a year the committee is obligated to inspect the lab and review the entire animal care program. The group meets four times a year on a formal basis, but Weyhrich says informal meetings to discuss animal care issues take place often on a weekly basis.

Researchers seeking approval to conduct experiments on animals must show first and foremost, Weyhrich says, that pain and suffering have either been eliminated or mitigated.
Animals used in research also must be provided with the proper exercise and diet to ensure they are in top condition.

“An animal in pain or distress or that has a disease does not make for a good animal model,” Weyhrich adds.

And while he admits there are people who condemn the use of animals for any type of research, Weyhrich believes the majority of the general public understand the scientific rewards that can be reaped from the study of animals.

“Most people believe there are tangible benefits to our activities. Almost anyone out there will have a relative or friend who is alive today because of some type of animal research. Animal research can be highly beneficial to both human beings and animals." V