Auckland Scientist Wins Award for Reducing Animal Testing

A University of Auckland scientist has been honoured for her work in the humane use of animals in scientific research, testing and teaching receiving the 2011 National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) Three Rs award, sponsored by the Royal New Zealand SPCA.

Dr Siouxsie Wiles wins the award in recognition of her consistent adherence to Three Rs principles and the embodiment of them into her everyday work as a microbiologist says NAEAC chairperson, Dr Virginia Williams.

“The concept of the Three Rs is to replace live animal subjects, reduce the number of animals used and refine experimental techniques to minimise pain and distress. Dr Wiles’ work embodies all three techniques, and reflects the underpinning philosophy that the use of animals in science is only acceptable if all efforts are made to minimise harm or suffering.”

With a background in medical and environmental microbiology, Dr Wiles work has focussed on developing bacteria that glow in the dark (bioluminescent bacteria), as a means of testing how well antibiotics and vaccines work. She says that with the rise in antibiotic resistant “superbugs” there is a real and immediate need for more effective antibiotics, and bioluminescence serves as an excellent tool for testing as only living bacteria glows – if the antibiotic is effective, the amount of light decreases as bacteria are killed.

A major achievement as a result of this work has been the reduction in the number of mice necessary to trace the effectiveness of an antibiotic. Instead of having to euthanase mice at different time points, the new imaging tools measure the level of bioluminescent bacteria inside a living animal over time. This process also allows early diagnosis of non-responsive infections, allowing euthanasia at earlier – and therefore more humane – time points.

Dr Wiles has also developed a test to measure the strength of bacterial bioluminescence through tissue using slices of cooked ham as a replacement for the traditionally used mice.

This national award is co-ordinated by NAEAC and is made annually to an individual, group or institution within New Zealand that epitomises best practice with regard to the Three Rs.

The award was presented to Dr Wiles at a function last night.

ENDS

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