Protection of Research Participants (Statement on Human and Animal Rights)

Open Veterinary Journal (OVJ) is committed to the ethical conduct of research involving human and animal participants. The journal upholds the rights, welfare, and dignity of all participants, ensuring that published research adheres to internationally recognized ethical standards and fosters trust, transparency, and integrity in the scientific community.

1. Human Research Participants

1.1 Ethical Framework

OVJ follows internationally recognized ethical principles, including the Declaration of Helsinki and the Belmont Report, emphasizing respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice as the foundation of ethical human research.

1.2 Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

All research involving human participants must be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or equivalent Ethics Committee. The IRB evaluates the study’s design, risk–benefit ratio, and ethical safeguards to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

1.3 Informed Consent

Authors must obtain informed consent from all human participants. Participants should be fully informed about the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, and their voluntary right to withdraw at any time without penalty.

1.4 Vulnerable Populations

Special protections must be applied when research involves vulnerable populations (e.g., children, pregnant women, prisoners, or individuals with cognitive impairments). Additional consent or authorization from legal guardians or advocates is required as appropriate.

1.5 Privacy and Confidentiality

Researchers are responsible for safeguarding participant privacy. Measures must be in place to ensure confidentiality of personal and sensitive data, and consent forms must clearly outline these protections.

2. Animal Research Participants

2.1 Ethical Treatment of Animals

OVJ is committed to humane and ethical treatment of animals in research, in accordance with guidelines such as the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Researchers are expected to follow the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs) to minimize the use of animals and limit potential harm.

2.2 Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Approval

All research involving animals must be reviewed and approved by an IACUC or equivalent ethical oversight body. The review evaluates the scientific necessity, potential benefits, and measures taken to reduce pain or distress.

2.3 Humane Endpoints and Procedures

Researchers must define humane endpoints and implement procedures that prioritize animal welfare. Any potentially painful or distressing procedures must be justified, and steps should be taken to minimize suffering.

2.4 Reporting Standards

OVJ requires transparent reporting of animal research methods, including ethical approvals, care conditions, and procedural details. Comprehensive reporting allows readers to evaluate both the ethical and scientific integrity of the study.

3. Ethical Oversight and Continuous Improvement

3.1 Ongoing Ethical Monitoring

OVJ maintains ongoing oversight to ensure adherence to ethical standards. Research protocols, consent procedures, and animal care practices are periodically reviewed, and deviations are addressed promptly.

3.2 Community Engagement

OVJ actively promotes awareness of ethical research practices through engagement with the scientific community, oversight bodies, and the public. Educational initiatives, workshops, and outreach programs foster a culture of responsible, transparent, and humane research.

This policy reflects OVJ’s commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct, ensuring that research involving human and animal participants is conducted responsibly, safely, and transparently.