Discussing the future of amphibians in research

Abstract

Amphibians have been used as experimental organisms for centuries. Recent years have seen a renewed interest in amphibians as models of human development and disease and an urgent need to understand and mitigate the impacts of the chytridiomycotan and ranaviral pathogens that pose a global threat to these animals. Alongside this increase in laboratory use comes an increased responsibility to conduct research using amphibians with proper consideration made of the unique welfare requirements of this diverse vertebrate class. Despite this, knowledge of the welfare needs of amphibians remains limited, with little scientifically justified guidance or evidence-based refinements for their captive care