Which animals are excluded from coverage by the AWA regulations?

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) provides guidelines and regulations to ensure the humane treatment of certain animals. Specifically, certain species are excluded from AWA coverage. Rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus are notably excluded because they make up a significant portion of animals used in research and are widely considered for their use in laboratory settings. This exclusion reflects the focus of the AWA, which primarily addresses the welfare of animals that are more commonly recognized by the public and have a higher potential for humane concern, such as dogs, cats, primates, and certain farm animals.

Other options involve animals like birds, wild animals, and farm animals, which may all be protected under various animal welfare regulations depending on their use. However, the specific exclusion of rats and mice highlights a regulatory distinction, as they are commonly bred and utilized for research without the same level of federal oversight that applies to other animals under the AWA. Thus, choosing this option shows an understanding of the specific scope of the Animal Welfare Act in relation to laboratory animal science.