Mission Statement:
The University of Arizona 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 education. The IACUC is also responsible for reviewing all requests for approval to use vertebrate animals, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. The IACUC also performs inspections of all areas and laboratories where animals are housed and used, and oversees training and educational programs. The IACUC serves as a resource to faculty, investigators, technicians, students, staff, and administrators, providing guidance in fulfilling the obligation to plan and conduct all animal use procedures with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical principles.

Contact Information:

IACUC Coordinator
Central Animal Facility
P.O. Box 210101
Tucson, AZ  85721
520-621-9305
Fax 520-621-8883

Authority, Composition and Functions:

The Committee performs all duties as outlined by the PHS Policy and Animal Welfare Act including reviewing all studies, classes, and experiments which require the use of any animal species, living or dead. Insects are exempted. The Committee also oversees the Occupational Health Program.  The IACUC committee is composed of 15 members which include laboratory and farm animal veterinarians, research scientists, and community representatives.

The Committee makes semiannual inspections of all facilities, laboratories, and farms where animals are kept for longer than 12 hours. The Committee, or its designate, inspects research laboratories to observe surgical procedures and other studies to assure that animals are being used according to approved methods and are receiving humane treatment.

The IACUC meets twice monthly for animal protocol review, and several meetings each year are dedicated to reviewing the Animal Care and Use Program.

Federally Mandated IACUC Functions:

1. Review at least once every six months the institution's program for humane care and use of animals, using the Guide as a basis for evaluation.

2. Inspect, at least once every 6 months, all of the animal facilities, including animal study areas/satellite facilities, using USDA Regulations/Guide, as basis.

3. Prepare reports of IACUC evaluations and submit the reports to the Institutional Official.
4. Review and investigate legitimate concerns involving the care and use of animals at the research facility resulting from public complaints and from reports of non-compliance received from facility personnel or employees.
5. Make recommendations to the Institutional Official regarding any aspect of the research facility's animal program, facilities or personnel training.
6. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of those components of proposed activities related to the care and use of animals.
7. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of proposed significant changes regarding the care and use of animals in ongoing activities.
8. Suspend an activity involving animals when necessary; take corrective action and report to funding agency and USDA.

The IACUC Administrative Office is located at the Central Animal Facility in the Main Campus. Please call us with any questions or concerns you have. Office Phone number: 520-621-9305; Fax number: 520-621-8833.

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