Human behaviour change for improved animal welfare: Implementing refined handling for rats and mice across a global contract research organisation

Abstract

A global contract research organisation (CRO) aimed to transition to refined handling (RH; cupping and tunnel handling for mice [ Mus musculus ]; body and tunnel handling for rats [ Rattus norvegicus ]). Three surveys were used to assess handling methods, attitudes, resources needed, and challenges. Surveys included a 2022 survey to benchmark current handling practices (37 responses; 29 sites), a 2023 survey to assess progress (67 responses; 42 sites), and a 2025 survey to assess handling methods and attitudes following uptake of RH (255 responses; 37 sites). In 2022, 81% of sites primarily tail-handled mice. By 2025, RH methods were the primary methods. For rats, in 2022, body handling was the primary method of handling, but tail handling was common for young adult and older and/or less handled rats. By 2025, RH methods were the primary method for all rats. Personnel reported as never or rarely bitten increased from 52% in 2022 to 68% in 2025 for mice, and from 59% in 2022 to 90% in rats. The resources that were most useful were on-site training (77%) and ability to practice RH (59%). Ease of working with animals (60%) and relationship with animals (67%) improved after implementing RH with mice. Ease of working with animals (64%), job stress (50%), relationship with animals (71%), and job satisfaction (53%) improved after implementing RH with rats. The main challenges entailed getting used to alternative methods (i.e. muscle memory) (55% mice; 67% rats) and increased time (61% mice; 49% rats). Ultimately, benefits were reported for implementing RH for both mice and rats.