Pain management in zebrafish

As vertebrates, zebrafish are deemed sensitive to pain by the European directive. Indeed, scientific publications support fish ability to feel pain and propose refinements of peri-procedural care. There are also experimental evidences that pain in zebrafish can be alleviated by analgesics. However, there is no guidance on how to manage zebrafish pain in practice. For example, provision of analgesics raises questions on water quality or potential exposure of non-procedural animals; simple enrichment solutions could improve the peri-operative environment and reduce fish suffering. The aim of the working group will be to propose good practice guidance for the management of pain in zebrafish.