[Anxiety and Reduction of Anxiety in Animal Experiments]

Laboratory animals usually respond to new situations with anxiety and distress. This can strongly influence the results of an experiment, thereby defeating the very purpose of the experiment. For this reason as well as because of aspects of animal welfare, methods for minimizing anxiety of laboratory animals should be investigated. With relatively little effort the animals can be accustomed to the experimental situation. Proper handling is a way to reduce their anxiety.