Assessment and oversight of the University’s program of animal care and use and its animal housing facilities.

Six people working outdoors with three sheep at a University livestock area

Functions

In compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Regulations, International AAALAC standards, and the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees all research and teaching use of live vertebrate animals within the campus-wide programs. The committee also helps to oversee the implementation of the occupational health and safety program for persons working with vertebrate animals in research and teaching programs at the University. These responsibilities encompass work of all type, including biomedical, agricultural, and wildlife projects, among others. The IACUC membership is appointed by the Institutional Official (IO) and includes veterinarians and faculty scientists in all of these domains, as well as non-scientists and general community representatives who have no affiliation with the University.

Responsibilities

  • Review of all proposed uses of live vertebrate animals by University faculty across the breadth of animal use locations (including their transportation) before the activity is allowed to begin
  • Review any requested changes to the approved activity
  • Inspect all animal facilities and involved laboratories every six months
  • Review the University's program of care for the humane care and use of animals every six months
  • Evaluate compliance with all applicable laws and policies regarding the use of vertebrate animals within our program of care
  • Investigate any concerns or complaints regarding the use of animals
  • Generate reports of its findings to the IO, including recommendations for program improvements
  • Suspend any activity using live vertebrate animals if it is being conducted in a manner not in accordance with the applicable animal welfare laws and policy standards of the institution

As part of these responsibilities, a post-approval monitoring program exists which encompasses all animal use areas of campus facilities.

Resources

Mouse held in open palm

Do you need animal studies training?

There are two fundamental program participation requirements for all researchers who use vertebrate animals, whether they are captive or in field work settings:

In addition, animal use personnel are trained in IACUC policies and in facility and species-specific standard operating procedures. An in-person orientation is also required for all persons being added to protocols for animal work.

Training and additional resources
Three Animal Resources team members working in a lab and wearing protective gear

Program management and ordering animals

Key Solutions eProtocol is used to manage IACUC protocols, animal users assigned to protocols and animal census functions, and for placing many types of animal orders.

Learn more about Key Solutions eProtocol
A cropped view of a person's hands typing on a laptop with a mobile phone on the table next to the laptop

Process for reporting concerns and incidents

The IACUC manages policies and procedures for reporting concerns about the care and use of animals and potential incidents regarding non-compliance.

Reporting concerns and incidents