Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is a significant difference between the PHS Policy and the Animal Welfare Act?

1. PHS Policy applies only to mammals

2. PHS Policy covers all vertebrates used in research

3. The AWA has stricter penalties

4. PHS Policy does not require veterinary care

The correct answer is: PHS Policy covers all vertebrates used in research

The PHS Policy covers all vertebrates used in research, making this a significant distinction from the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). While the AWA primarily focuses on certain species of animals, particularly those that are used in research, such as dogs, cats, and nonhuman primates, it does not encompass all vertebrates. The PHS Policy extends its protections to a broader range of animals, which includes all vertebrates utilized in research, regardless of whether they fall under the specific categories outlined by the AWA. This comprehensive coverage of vertebrate species demonstrates a commitment to ethical standards in research involving a wider array of animal subjects. In contrast, the other options do not adequately reflect the primary differences between the two policies. For instance, the AWA does not inherently impose stricter penalties compared to the PHS; the penalties depend on the specific enforcement measures and circumstances of the violations. Similarly, PHS Policy does impose requirements for veterinary care, particularly for animals in federally funded research programs, contradicting the notion that it lacks such a requirement. Lastly, the assertion that PHS Policy applies only to mammals is incorrect, as it encompasses all vertebrates, reinforcing the importance of understanding these regulations in the context of laboratory animal welfare.