The University of Arizona Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Handbook

Note: some of these policies are being revised. Call Protocol office for information 621-9305

V. SPECIAL POLICIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE

The IACUC believes that an investigator can judge and should perform euthanasia on moribund rodents based on objective signs or symptoms of dying depending on experience with the animal model, professional judgement, and the experimental protocol. The combination of signs or symptoms indicating euthanasia may vary with experimental end point.

The IACUC guidelines indicate that animals found moribund should receive euthanasia, but if experimental death itself is the required end point, the investigator may receive consideration for approval to conduct such studies by providing appropriate justification in a memorandum at the time the Animal Protocol Review Form is submitted to the Committee. Inconvenience or increased costs alone are not justifiable reasons, but the IACUC will otherwise, generally, accede to the scientific judgment of the investigator. Investigators are expected to make a good faith effort to justify their end points, or agree they can judge when to perform euthanasia on animals found moribund in a particular protocol. Moreover, all investigators are expected to continue to monitor experimental animals at least daily (including weekends and holidays), to euthanatized any animals which they judge should receive euthanasia, to use alternative end points to death when possible, and to minimize animal numbers within statistical constraints in general, but especially in death-end-point protocols.

1. Suggested Signs and Symptoms for Judging Morbidity (disease/illness) in Rodents

1. rapid breathing rate
2. breathing rate very slow, shallow, and labored
3. rapid weight loss
4. hunched posture
5. hypo-or hyperthermia
6. ulcerative dermatitis or infected tumors
7. anorexia (loss of appetite)
8. diarrhea or constipation

2. Suggested Signs and Symptoms for Judging the Moribund Condition (state of dying) in Rodents. Signs and symptoms of morbidity will be observed plus:

1. impaired ambulation (unable to easily reach food or water)
2. evidence of muscle atrophy or other signs of emaciation (body weight is not always appropriate, especially since tumors may artificially increase body weight)
3. any obvious illness including such signs as lethargy (drowsiness, aversion to activity, lack of physical or mental alertness), prolonged anorexia, bleeding, difficulty breathing, central nervous system disturbances, or chronic diarrhea or constipation.
4. Inability to remain upright

B. EUTHANASIA BY CERVICAL DISLOCATION OR DECAPITATION

1. This method of euthanasia shall only be used in poultry, small birds, mice, rats weighing <200g, and rabbits weighing <1 kg.
2. Cervical dislocation may be used unconditionally in the above species if the animal is anesthetized first. Without prior anesthetization, this method may only be used when scientifically justified by the user and approved by the IACUC. Prior use by the investigator shall not be deemed as scientific justification.
3. If the IACUC approves this method for use without prior anesthesia, an UAC veterinary member of the IACUC shall observe the personnel performing the cervical dislocation to ensure that they have been properly trained. The IACUC member shall then submit an approval memo to be included in the protocol file.

1. This method of euthanasia shall only be used in laboratory rodents, rabbits weighing <1 kg, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
2. Decapitation may be used unconditionally in the above species if the animal is first anesthetized. Without prior anesthetization, this method may only be used when scientifically justified by the user and approved by the IACUC. Prior use by the investigator shall not be deemed as scientific justification.
3. If the IACUC approves this method for use without prior anesthesia, an UAC veterinary member of the IACUC shall observe the personnel performing the decapitation to ensure that they have been properly trained. The IACUC member shall then submit an approval memo to be included in the protocol file.

3.  Scientific Justification

1. Acceptable Scientific Justification may be accomplished by one of the following methods:

1. A small pilot study consisting of 6-10 animals per group may be incorporated into the protocol to test for significant differences between physical methods (i.e., cervical dislocation or decapitation) or acceptable methods (i.e., gas inhalation [carbon dioxide or halothane] or barbiturate overdose). The results of the pilot study would then be reviewed by the IACUC before granting final approval to use physical methods for euthanasia.
2. Results of a literature review may be submitted with the protocol. The review should demonstrate that the AVMA approved methods would not work in the specific study being reviewed.
3. The IACUC may consider an ongoing study as justified if the investigator has provided strong justification that terminating the use of cervical dislocation or decapitation without anesthesia would severely affect the study.

2. Unacceptable justifications for continuing to use cervical dislocation or decapitation would include:
    

1. The study is ongoing and the procedure cannot change midstream without compromising the results; this method of euthanasia has been performed for years. Prior data collection would now be made useless. The IACUC would respond to any of these by asking the investigator to perform a pilot study as outlined above.
2. Colleagues at other institutions are using these methods and they are "industry standard." Since the AVMA's recommendations are fairly recent, different institutions are at varying stages of implementing them.
3. Current grant requests do not cover a pilot study and no funds are available to perform it. The IACUC is sensitive to this issue. However, we are charged with making sure the University is in compliance with all applicable guidelines and regulations. One suggestion would be to share the cost of the pilot study with several colleagues within or outside the University. The results of the study could be attached to any similar protocol submitted as justification. Another suggestion would be to monitor the "Research Review" published by the Research Support Office for grants that may be available for this purpose. Since many institutions are affected, publication in a peer reviewed journal would be highly recommended.

A Cervical Dislocation or Decapitation Authorization Memo can  be downloaded in Word format by clicking here.  This memo is to be used when requesting to use these methods.

C.  IMMUNIZATION OF RESEARCH ANIMALS FOR ANTIBODY PRODUCTION

Although Freund's adjuvant remains the most commonly used, there are alternative Adjuvants which are equal or superior to Freund's in stimulation properties, yet which cause only minimal reactions in the animal. These systems include: ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (The RIBI adjuvant system), muramyl dipeptide, and Liposomes.

The IACUC requires that investigators evaluate the use of an alternative adjuvant, and justify to the committee why an alternative method cannot be used in the place of Freund's.

1.  Use of Freund's Adjuvant

1. CFA should be used only in the primary injections. It should be prepared as a 1:2 suspension with the antigen solution and injected aseptically at scattered sites over the back and flank of the rabbit. Subcutaneous injections of 0.1 ml per site are preferred (see Handbook of Experimental Immunology in Four Volumes 4th. Ed. Edited by D.M. Weir, Chapter 8 "Immunization of Experimental Animals"). However, if intradermal injections must be used, the volume per site should be reduced to 0.05 ml to prevent necrosis or drainage. The use of intramuscular injections of .5 -1 ml are also effective. Monitoring of post-injection reactions by using this method is difficult, some animals may lose function of the limb. Therefore, intramuscular immunization is discouraged.
2. Re-injection of CFA into a sensitized animal causes hypersensitivity reactions that may be painful. Booster doses should be given as antigen in incomplete Freund's Adjuvant (IFA) or an aqueous vehicle such as saline after a suitable priming period.
3. Laboratory personnel using CFA should be cautioned about inadvertent self-injection of CFA on needle tips. This has resulted in painful and long lasting inflammation in humans.

1. Footpad injections must be approved by the IACUC. CFA inoculated into the footpad produces swelling, ulceration, and necrosis. Thus, it should be given by this route only when justified for scientific reasons.
2. Adjuvants should be inoculated into only one of the animal's feet and, for rodents, a hind foot should be used.
3. Rabbits do not have true footpads, are heavier than small rodents, place more weight on the feet and are generally held in cages with wire bottoms. Use of CFA on the feet of rabbits is, therefore, inappropriate.

1. Animals given aqueous solutions of antigens after sensitization should be observed for signs of anaphylactic shock and administered appropriate treatment, if an acute reaction occurs.
2. Severe inflammatory reactions at injection sites should be reported to the Staff Veterinarian for examination and treatment.

The ascites fluid should be collected when the abdomen is approximately the proportion of a near-term pregnant animal; collections should be made using a 21g or smaller gauge needle, preferably on an anesthetized animal; and animals should be euthanatized if their condition begins to deteriorate (their hair coats become rough, they become thin, lethargic and/or have difficulty moving, etc.). Administration of saline subcutaneously or intra peritoneally after collection of ascites may help prevent shock.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA
9 CFR Chapter 1, 1-1-92 Edition
Subchapter A- Animal Welfare (Animal Welfare Act)

Section 2.31 Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), (c) IACUC Functions:

(4) "Review, and if warranted, investigate concerns involving the care and use of animals at the research facility resulting from public complaints received and from reports of non-compliance received from laboratory or research facility personnel or employees."

a.  The IACUC will review and/or investigate any concern relating to animal care and use brought to the attention of the Committee. This includes claims by the public concerning any aspect of the animal care and use program or by employees or students who report alleged instances of animal abuse, violation of approved protocols, use of animals not covered by approved protocols, violation of any animal-related regulation or standard (such as the Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy, AAALAC accreditation standards, or IACUC policy), or complaints regarding the care received by animals housed in University laboratory animal, wild animal or agricultural facilities.

b.  Steps in the Process

1. Concerns should first be addressed to the individual(s) or unit at whom/which the complaint is directed. If the concern is not adequately addressed, or if there is fear of retribution, the concern should be taken immediately to the next level.
    
2. The concerned individual(s) begins the process of filing a Formal Complaint by contacting one of the following:

(a) Director, University Animal Care at 626-6702
(b) A member of the IACUC (Members list can be obtained by calling the IACUC office at 621-9305.)

3. The following information is to be provided for any concern:

(a) The complainant's name
(b) The individual(s) or unit the complaint is against
(c) Description of the event or charge including dates of observation of the alleged violation(s)
(d) Copies of any written, photographic, or taped documentation to substantiate the charges
(e) Names of any other witnesses to the events/charges being described or made
(f) Signature of Complainant

Either a phone call or written contact can initiate the complaint, but a formal signed complaint will be necessary prior to the IACUC's review.

4. The Director, IACUC Chair, or IACUC member will assist the complainant in completing the written description and will submit the Complaint on to the IACUC Coordinator.
    
5. Complainants must be the actual individual(s) who have witnessed the violation.
    
6. While hearsay complaints cannot be formally filed, individuals who have serious concerns based on hearsay evidence can call any of the individuals listed under (2.) The Director or IACUC representative will follow up on concerns by means other than the formal complaint process (such as review of protocols, discussions with other employees, or unannounced laboratory inspections). This process may lead to the filing of a Formal Complaint.

1. The Formal Complaint will be presented to the next regularly scheduled Protocol Review Sub-committee meeting following receipt by the IACUC Office.
2. The Sub-committee will review the complaint and talk with the Director or IACUC member who has brought the complaint forward. If evidence warrants a formal investigation, the sub-committee members will so recommend by a majority vote of those present. The Sub-Committee and Coordinator will:

(a) The IACUC Coordinator shall document the review findings of the Sub-committee and schedule a meeting of the full Committee at the earliest possible date.
(b) Inform the Complainant that the IACUC will be performing an investigation of the complaint.

3. Should the Sub-committee, following review of the complaint, find that the Complaint is insufficiently substantiated, the Subcommittee will:

(a) Document the review findings of the Sub-committee.
(b) Provide a confidential written response to the Complainant explaining the findings of the sub-committee.
(c) The IACUC Coordinator shall place the Complaint Form, sub-committee's report, and all correspondence into a separate IACUC file for formal complaints, by year.
(d) Provide an opportunity for all IACUC members to review the Complaint and Sub-committee Report to provide a minority view, should they so desire.

4. At the discretion of the Sub-Committee, inform the Pertinent Individual (principle investigator, facility director, etc.), in writing, that a complaint was made. The investigator will then receive a summary of the concerns without reference to the individual(s) name(s) who filed the complaint and a copy of the Sub-committee's Report.

1. When the Sub-Committee has voted to initiate an investigation, the IACUC Coordinator will schedule a meeting of the full committee at the earliest possible date.
2. The Committee as a whole will review the documentation and determine a course of action, which may include assignment of the investigation to a sub-committee or individual.
3. The Chair will notify the Institutional Official of the initiation of the investigation.
4. The IACUC Chair will notify the Principal Investigator, animal facility administrator, or other pertinent individual (known hereafter as the PIND) of the IACUC's intention to carry out the investigation. This notification will include:

(a) Citation of the section of the federal regulations which allow for investigations of concerns related to animal care and use.
(b) Description of the complaint and the sub-committee's review report
(c) An invitation to meet with the IACUC Chair, to personally discuss the allegations

5. The IACUC may use a variety of methods to obtain information to assist in the investigation. These will include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Unannounced visits to the laboratory or animal facility in question to review procedures, lab/facility documents, or talk with personnel prior to formal notification of the PIND.
2. (b) Submission of documentation from the PIND, co-workers or employees, or from the animal facility where animals were housed. Such documentation could include: research records relating to animal experimentation, surgical records, animal health records, purchase orders, standard operating procedures, diagnostic laboratory reports, quality assurance reports, or others which will provide information which will assist in the investigation.
3. Documentation supporting the allegations provided by the Complainant.
4. The PIND will be invited to provide a written response to the Complaint and any additional documentation provided by the Complainant. (Names, addresses, or other information which would result in breach of the Complainant's confidentiality will be deleted from materials provided to the PIND).
5. Review of Animal Care and Use Protocols, IACUC inspection reports, Reports of Programmatic Reviews, USDA or AAALAC inspection reports, or any other pertinent IACUC record.
6. Letters or documentation solicited from other University employees who can provide insight into the investigation. For example: letters from animal facility veterinarians, managers, or other facility personnel; letters from other committees, such as the Institutional Biosafety Committee; or other individuals.
7. Letters of outside evaluation of protocols, programs, or documentation related to the complaint performed by external reviewers chosen by the Committee. Such reviews would be done confidentially, with signed confidentiality statements by reviewers. The PIND may be asked to assist the IACUC in selection of reviewers.
8. Invited site visits by external reviewer(s) to critique facilities or programs.
9. IACUC interviews with the PIND, Complainant or other individuals who can provide information for the investigation.

6. Once the IACUC has completed its fact gathering period, the IACUC will reconvene the entire Committee to review all of the information. A quorum of the Committee must be present at the meeting. Because of the great amount of documentation that may be collected, it is recommended that several individual members of the IACUC be selected to review and summarize information which will be presented to the IACUC. Individual members will have access to all documentation, should they wish to review the entire package.
    
7. The Committee will review the package and fully discuss all issues. Once discussion is complete, the Committee will form recommendations for action. Recommendations will be individually voted on and all actions must pass by a majority vote. Such actions could include, but are not limited to:

(a) Requiring an amendment to the IACUC approved protocol.
(b) Requiring a change in procedures previously approved in an IACUC protocol or requiring a change in procedures or program of the animal facility in question.
(c) Requiring a re-submission of a currently approved IACUC protocol.
(d) Conducting additional unannounced laboratory inspections to observe procedures or unannounced facility visits to observe conditions, procedures, and/or review programs. In either case, the end result of the inspection(s) may include any of the actions outlined in this section.
(e) Suspension of the research activity (Protocol).
(f) Sanction of the Animal Care Program in question.
(g) Find that the Complaint was unwarranted or unsubstantiated.

8. With the Investigation complete and actions contemplated, the IACUC will invite the PIND to meet with the Committee to review the Committee's findings. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the PIND and Committee to resolve issues and work together to find solutions to the issues raised in the investigation. Harsh actions such a suspension or sanction can hopefully be avoided by this process and result in the mutual agreement and satisfaction of the Committee and the PIND.
    
9. After the PIND has met with the Committee, the Committee will formulate its final actions and vote on these individually. All actions must pass by a majority of quorum vote and minority opinions be recorded.
    
10. The Committee shall complete the investigation by the following documentation and notifications:

1. The Institutional Official shall receive a summary document of the findings of the Committee and the final actions which will be taken.
2. If suspension is the action being taken and the activity is supported by PHS, the IACUC, through the Institutional Official, shall file a full report with Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR). A full report, for suspensions involving covered species, must also be filled with APHIS.
3. If sanction of the animal care program is to occur, the letter will be directed to the administrator of the program and will be written jointly with the Institutional Official.
4. The Complainant will receive a summary of the actions taken, but any confidential information concerning protocols will not be included.
5. The PIND will be informed, in writing, of the final conclusions/actions of the Committee and of any response that is required from the PIND.
6. If the Complaint was found to be unwarranted or unsubstantiated, a strong letter of support will be provided to the PIND from the Committee for the research, animal care facility, or other program, as appropriate.

11. The Committee will complete a final report and close the file, keeping all documentation for the complaint, review, investigation, and all other information in the Formal Complaint file, by year.
     
12. The IACUC Chair will provide letters of thanks to all individuals who assisted in the completion of the investigation.

"No facility employee, Committee member, or laboratory personnel shall be discriminated against or be subject to any reprisal for reporting violations of the regulation or standards under the Act."

1. The confidentiality of any complainant will be maintained by all individuals involved in the review and/or investigation of alleged violations of animal care and use regulations and standards. Information on any documentation which is provided to individuals other than the Director, University Animal Care or members of the IACUC which would identify the complainant shall be removed by cross out, white out, black out or other method.
2. The standards of the Animal Welfare Act listed in 3.1. above will be strictly followed by all members of the University community.
3. Should charges be brought that are false and in a malicious manner by the Complainant to purposely harm the University or any of its departments, divisions, or units, the IACUC, or any individual, then such will be handled according to pertinent classified staff, academic professional, or faculty policies of the University of Arizona which are applicable to the given case.

"Each research facility shall assure that the attending veterinarian has appropriate authority to ensure the provision of adequate veterinary care and to oversee the adequacy of other aspects of animal care and use."

b. IACUC Policy

Veterinarians employed by University Animal Care, University of Arizona have the authority to immediately halt inhumane care, use, or treatment of animals.

"The IACUC may suspend an activity that it previously approved if it determines that the activity is not being conducted in accordance with the description of that activity provided by the principal investigator and approved by the Committee. The IACUC may suspend an activity only after review of the matter at a convened meeting of a quorum of the IACUC and with the suspension vote of a majority of the quorum present; if the IACUC suspends an activity involving animals, the Institutional Official, in consultation with the IACUC, shall review the reasons for suspension, take appropriate corrective action, and report that action with a full explanation to APHIS and any Federal agency funding that activity."

b. IACUC Policy

The IACUC will follow this policy when necessary to ensure compliance with the AWA and PHS Policy.

The University of Arizona IACUC has established the following policy: (The Interagency Research Animal Committee (IRAC) studied this issue in depth and made the identical recommendation, as published in ILAR Volume 35, Numbers 3-4, Summer-Fall 1993.)

Interesting Link - U. S. Government Principles for the Care and Use of Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Education

1.  Definitions:

1. The Classical LD₅₀ test is used to determine the lethal dose (LD) of a substance that will kill 50 percent of test animals. Typically, this method can use 100 or more animals. The test material is administered in increasing doses, usually five or more, to groups of 10 male and 10 female animals. Mortalities are recorded within a given period, and the LD₅₀ is determined with the aid of statistical calculations.
2. The Limit Test is used to determine if the toxicity of a test substance is above or below a specified dose. Five to 10 animals of each sex or 10 animals of the susceptible sex are administered a dose specified by regulations. Toxic responses occurring within a given period are recorded. Based on the results, additional testing may be authorized by the IACUC.

1. The Classical LD₅₀ test should only be conducted when specifically justified for reasons of scientific necessity and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
2. Toxicity testing procedures based on the principles of reduction and refinement (such as the Limit Test) should be used until alternative test methods become validated.

Consumer Product Safety Commission: Strongly discourages Classical LD₅₀ test.
The Department of Transportation: Discourages the use of the Classical LD₅₀ test.
Environmental Protection Agency: Discourages the use of the Classical LD₅₀ test.
Food and Drug Administration: Does not require the use of Classical LD₅₀ test.
National Toxicology Program: Does not use Classical LD₅₀ test.

1. Synonyms:

Query fever, Abbotoir fever, Balkan grippe.

2. Agent:

Coxiella burnetii, a rickettsial organism that is highly resistant to physical and chemical agents used in disinfection. It has been reported in most warm blooded animals including fowl. The most common source of infection in the United States is from sheep, although goats and cattle can carry the disease. When animals are infected, the organism will localize to the mammary gland, supra mammary lymph nodes and the placenta. The infection of the placenta will cause abortion. Infected animals can become chronic carriers. At the time of abortion, large numbers of the infectious organism are discharged with the placenta, amniotic fluid and dead fetuses.

3. Mode of transmission:

The most common mode of infection in humans is inhalation of the aerosolized agent from the placenta and amniotic fluid. The agent can be carried by dust or on shoes and clothing leading to potential infection of individuals not involved with the infected animals (family members, office staff, etc.).

4. The disease in man:

The incubation period is two to four weeks. The disease has a flu-like character with fever, chills, profuse sweating, anorexia and muscle pain. A prominent symptom is a severe headache with intense retrobulbar (behind the eyes) pain. Sometimes vomiting and nausea is reported. The fever generally lasts between 9 and 14 days and is recurrent in some cases. It is important to note that the severity of this disease is highly variable and in many cases goes unnoticed by the affected individual. In the chronic state, the infection can cause endocarditis, pneumonitis, pericarditis and/or hepatitis. Mortality is less than 1%. There have been reports of abortions caused in women who were infected during pregnancy. Treatment is prescribed by a physician and is usually tetracycline. Diagnosis in humans is by measuring serological response.

5. Control:

Serological testing of pregnant sheep and goats provides some help in determining if an individual animal is infected with Q fever but is not always reliable. Personnel working with these animals must develop procedures which limit contact with potentially infected sheep or goats.

6. IACUC Policy

1. If possible experimental procedures should be developed using male or non-pregnant female sheep or goats. If unsure of the pregnancy status, the female sheep or goat should undergo ultrasound examination. If possible, pregnant animals should not be accepted.
2. Any invasive surgery of the abdominal cavity of a pregnant ewe will be done in a dedicated surgery facility. The surgeon will be dressed in scrubs, sterile surgical gown, cap and mask. All personnel attending in the surgery will wear scrubs, cap and mask. Dedicated surgical foot wear or disposable booties will be worn. Exposed personnel will not leave the surgical area except to access locker facilities for showering, scrub laundering and changing to street clothes.
3. Contaminated materials including placenta, amniotic fluid and aborted fetus will be handled as a biohazard using universal precautions and disposed of using appropriate biosafety measures. Surgical instruments will be cleaned and autoclaved; only one surgery should be performed with each surgical pack.
4. Facilities housing sheep or goats that may be infected with Q fever will post a biohazard sign approved by Risk Management.
5. Pure-breed sheep or goats housed at the Campbell Avenue Agriculture Facility will be handled as uninfected animals if routine serological monitoring of the herd is maintained. Any aborted fetus will be removed to the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsy and serological monitoring of the ewe will be performed. Personnel working with sheep or goats at lambing time should wear coveralls and boots and should shower and change before leaving work.
6. Personnel handling sheep or goats must wash their hands and arms thoroughly with a germicidal soap before leaving the animal facility.
7. Surfaces in surgical and laboratory areas can be disinfected with a fresh 1:100 dilution of household chlorine bleach that contains 5.25% hypochlorite, a 5% solution of H₂O, or a 1:100 dilution of lysol (a mixture of saponified alkyl and aryl derivatives of phenol). Ethyl alcohol, 1% phenol, 1% formalin, and quaternary ammonium compounds are not effective for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with C. Burnetii.
8. Pregnant women, immunologically compromised individuals and individuals with valvular heart disease or prosthetic heart valves should use extreme precaution if in contact with pregnant sheep or goats. These individuals should not have contact with persons who have handled pregnant sheep or goats until those animal handlers have showered and changed into clean clothing. These individuals, in particular, should consult with the physician for risk assessment.

For more information, contact University Animal Care at 621-1330 during normal working hours.

7. Statement of Compliance

All investigators, support staff, graduate students, animal workers and Animal Care personnel identified by protocol as having exposure to female sheep or goats must sign a "STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE" with the above policy. New protocols involving sheep or goats will not be granted final approval and animals cannot be ordered until all personnel have read and signed the Statement of Compliance which is appended to the Handbook and is also made available to individuals who submit protocols for susceptible species.

1. Use of a satellite animal facility will be allowed only when there is either inadequate animal holding space within University Animal Care (UAC) facilities or if there is a demonstrated need to house animals immediately adjacent to research laboratories when research space near UAC facilities is not available. Obtaining laboratory space adjacent or convenient to animal housing areas is the responsibility of the investigator. Satellite facility use is considered a temporary measure which will be terminated within a period of 6 months following the time adequate UAC animal housing and research space becomes available.
2. A UAC veterinarian who is knowledgeable concerning the needs of animals and current animal welfare laws and regulations must be involved early in the building or renovation of a satellite animal facility. He/she must approve, in writing to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the renovation or construction plans.
3. A satellite facility must have all functional and support spaces required for optimum animal care and use including quarantine facilities; cage sanitation equipment; storage areas for food, bedding, and wastes; personnel hygiene facilities and an animal treatment area. If surgery is planned, appropriate space and equipment must be provided.
4. The IACUC will review the plans and needs for a satellite animal facility and render final approval or disapproval.
5. UAC personnel will provide animal care and management of a satellite animal facility on a per diem recharge system.
6. Because of increased efforts and costs involved in servicing a satellite animal facility, either increased per diem rates or specific cost recovery charges will be negotiated with UAC.
7. The animal care and use program conducted in a satellite animal facility will be overseen by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and must adhere to its policies and review procedures.
8. If a satellite facility is part of the University (if the animals are owned by the University) or if the facility is shared by both university and non-university users, it must be part of the AAALAC accreditation program. It will be the responsibility of the satellite users to maintain the facility in an accreditable condition.
9. Adequate security measures for the facility must be developed and implemented in conjunction with university security personnel.
10. If the items in this policy are not followed, use of a satellite animals facility will be subject to immediate termination.

Claims due to infectious disease:  To be eligible for reimbursement due to infectious disease, the infection must be recognized greater than 7 days following entrance into the animal facility. Animals lost due to infections which are recognized in the first week post-arrival can be replaced by the vendor. After this period, most vendors will not provide replacements; thus, the Insurance Plan will go into effect.

The researcher must have made contact with a University Animal Care veterinarian to notify them of the disease at the time of the recognition of signs of infection or other abnormal condition, such as an unexpected change in research results. The disease may also be identified by UAC personnel, with notification to the researcher. In the former case, UAC must participate in the process of disease identification, such as necropsy, microbiology, serology etc., which is performed on affected animals. Once the disease is identified, if animals die spontaneously, must be destroyed due to potential spread of infection, or are euthanatized because the effects of the organism will render the animals useless for the particular research project, the researcher can apply for compensation. In some cases, a definitive diagnosis may not be possible, and if so, the facts of the case will be presented to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for their decision.

Claims due to accidental injury or death:  To be eligible for reimbursement for non-disease-related loss, UAC personnel must be informed in time to be able to investigate and/or verify the cause of the loss or injury of the animals.  If the animals have died, or have been injured or stressed to an extent that they are useless for the particular research project and must be destroyed, and the cause is determined to be from an event or accident unrelated to the research protocol or related activities, the researcher can apply for compensation.

The process of application and review is initiated by the Principal Investigator through completion of the Insurance Application Form. These may be completed at any time during the calendar year and submitted to the IACUC.  The IACUC will request that the UAC clinical veterinarian verify the accuracy of the claim, including cause of animal loss and relevant dates of loss.  The IACUC also requests that UAC Business Services verify the amount of the claim based on project billing records.  When these verifications are complete, the IACUC will review the claim at the next regularly scheduled meeting to determine the whether compensation is appropriate, and if so, the amount.  The primary purpose of the Animal Loss insurance Program is to reimburse investigators for the original purchase price of the animals lost. If the insurance fund does not contain adequate monies to compensate each loss at full value, the IACUC will appropriate the funds in an equitable manner to investigators whose losses were approved for compensation. Reimbursement of other costs related to the loss, such as per diems, will be considered on a case-by-case basis and be subject to availability of funds.

The Animal Loss Compensation Insurance Form (Word Format) can be accessed here.

I. TRAINING

Information on specific courses and time/dates offered can be obtained by calling 621-3931 or 621-1330.

Protocols will not receive approval unless evidence of certification is provided. (There is a six-month grace period for new investigators, staff and students).

Access to the facilities is based on certification. Those who have not completed the certification sessions will be denied access to all animal facilities.

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Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

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03/05/2008