Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
The University's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees the university's animal care and use programs, facilities and procedures ensuring the appropriate care, use and humane treatment of animals being used for research, testing and teaching, whether that use is biomedical, basic sciences, or agricultural. The IACUC must review ALL requests to use vertebrate animals BEFORE that use may begin. The IACUC must ensure all work with animals complies with any and all applicable federal, state, and international regulations. The IACUC also performs inspections of any areas where animals are housed and used, as well and overseeing mandatory training and educational programs for all who will be involved with any animal use. While the IACUC is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, the committee views its role as one of service to the faculty, technicians, students, and administrators, as well as the general public, providing guidance in ensuring the highest quality of animal care coexistent with attaining the ultimate in quality scientific results.
IACUC Functions
In compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy regarding Vertebrate Animal Use, the IACUC oversees all animal related work. The committee also oversees the occupational health and safety program for those who work with animals or animal tissues. This oversight includes review of all studies, classes, and experiments which require the use of any vertebrate animal species, living or dead. The IACUC is composed of several research scientists, at least one veterinarian, and community representatives.