Animals in Research Donald B. Casebolt, DVM, MPVM, DACLAM

Objectives  Responsibilities of the institution  Responsibilities of the principal investigator and his/her staff members

“The development of knowledge necessary for the improvement of the health and well-being of humans as well as other animals requires in vivo experimentation with a wide variety of animal species.” (United States Office of Science and Technology Policy, 1985)

Federal Laws  Animal Welfare Act US Department of Agriculture  Health Research Extension Act National Institutes of Health Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare

Similarities of Two Laws  Both require an Institutional Official  Both require an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee  Both require a program of veterinary care  Both require adequate training of personnel “Enforced Self-Regulation”

AAALAC Accreditation

IACUC Membership  Scientist  Veterinarian with training and/or experience in laboratory animal medicine  Nonscientist  At least one member not affiliated with the institution (public member)

IACUC Responsibilities  Review the programs of animal care and use  Inspect animal facilities and animal housing areas  Approve, require modifications prior to approval, or withhold approval of animal use protocols  Approve any changes to an animal use protocol  The IACUC is authorized to suspend a protocol

Attending Veterinarian Responsibilities  Ensure adequate and proper animal care and use and veterinary care  Work in concert with the IACUC and Principal Investigators  Exercise professional judgment to facilitate the science in the context of animal welfare  Implement policies using scientifically sound, performance-based standards  Establish effective training programs

Principal Investigator Responsibilities  Preparation and submission of Animal Use Protocols and modifications to protocols  Justification of species and numbers of animals  Training of personnel in appropriate methods  Occupational health and safety of personnel  Minimization or avoidance of animal pain and distress  Development of experimental endpoints  Surgery and post-surgical care  Animal euthanasia methods

Training  Species-specific  Protocol-specific (covers laboratory procedures)

Training  Web Based  Lecture and hands on

Questions?