1. New Animal User Training for Faculty
Austin College
New Animal User Training for Faculty
Date

2. Faculty Animal Care & Use Questions
What is the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee?
What do I have to know about animal research?
What facilities are available at Austin College?
What is my role in Austin College’s Animal Care program?
What is the role of my students in the animal care program?
What do I need to know about occupational health?
What happens if we have animal care deficiencies?

3. The Importance of Animals in Biomedical Research
Life-saving surgical procedures;
Cancer therapies;
Organ transplantation;
Vaccines;
Safe consumer products; and
Treatments and cures for countless other medical disorders and diseases.
Daily, from vaccinations to prevent measles to product safety testing, the knowledge gained from animals used in research helps every single one of us, our pets, and the wildlife around us.
Thousands of our pet cats and dogs are vaccinated each year and are thus spared from diseases such as feline leukemia, distemper, parvo, and rabies.
Every time we take an aspirin or other pain reliever, apply sunscreen, or even brush our teeth, we are reaping the benefits of biomedical research.
Reproductive techniques discovered through animal research can potentially save many endangered wildlife species from extinction.

4. The Importance of Animals in Biomedical Research
organs and body systems similar to humans and other animals;
susceptible to the same diseases that affect humans;
short life span allows animals to be studied throughout their entire life;
environment easily controllable to keep experimental variables to a minimum;
Organs and body systems similar to humans and other animals – Animals are similar to humans in many ways. Not only do they have similar anatomies, but their physiologies are comparable as well. For instance, even though they may be different sizes and shapes, humans and animals both have bones that contain marrow and produce blood cells. Both have the same hormones that aid digestion and regulate the reproductive cycle.
Susceptible to the same diseases that affect humans –Both humans and animals share some of the same diseases including many cancers, diabetes, and heart diseases. One example of this similarity is the dog whose cardiovascular system closely resembles that of the human. Because of this, the dog has been critical to understanding diseases that affect the heart and circulatory system. A few of the many successful medical breakthroughs in this one body system that can be attributed to the dog and that are now commonly applied to humans includes:
Heart transplantation
Development of the heart-lung machine which allows surgeons to keep the patient alive while performing heart surgery
Coronary bypass surgery
Artificial heart valves used to replace damaged or defective valves
Pacemaker implantation needed to regulate an abnormal heartbeat
Angioplasty used to unblock clogged coronary arteries
Short life span allows animals to be studied throughout their entire life – Most research animals, especially rodents such as rats and mice, have short life spans so they can be studied throughout their entire life and even through several generations within a short period of time.
Environment easily controllable to keep experimental variables to a minimum –Researchers are looking to see if their drug, surgery, or technique is effective. To allow for the most accurate and reliable data, they must keep experimental variables to a minimum. When animals are stressed, the research is not reliable. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the research being conducted for researcher to see that animals are maintained with regulated environments such as light, humidity, temperature, and sound.

5. The Importance of Animals in Biomedical Research
Laboratory mice are used in research more often than any other animal species;
These mice, plus other rodents such as rats and hamsters, make up more than 90% of the total number of animals used; and
Other animal species, including dogs, cats, rabbits, farm animals, fish, frogs, birds, nonhuman primates, and many others, make up the remaining 10% of animals used in research.
Laboratory mice are used in research more often than any other animal species;
It is estimated that nearly 20 million rodents are bred for research annually.
Mice are used for studies of cancer, aging, AIDS, immunology, and genetics. They are also used to learn and perfect embryo transfer techniques in humans and domestic and endangered animal species.
These mice, plus other rodents such as rats and hamsters, make up more than 90% of the total number of animals used; and
Their small size and low cost makes them ideal for laboratory experiments.
In addition, scientists can breed different strains of mice with natural genetic deficiencies to achieve specific models of human diseases.
Other animal species, including dogs, cats, rabbits, farm animals, fish, frogs, birds, nonhuman primates, and many others, make up the remaining 10% of animals used in research.
According to the USDA, about 70,000 dogs, 23,000 cats, and 49,000 primates were used for research between 10/1/2000 and 9/30/2001.
In most cases, these animals are specifically bred for research purposes and are purchased from animal breeders.

6. The Importance of Animals in Biomedical Research
following literature searches and comparison of data to previous research ;
following computer model simulations and cell and/or tissue culture research;
following an IACUC-approved animal use protocol;
following extensive training and education on the handling, care, and use of animals;
but, before HUMAN clinical testing.
Following literature searches and comparison of data to previous research ;
Researchers are required to conduct extensive literature searches before having their animal protocols approved by an IACUC. This literature search must assure that their research plans do not unnecessarily duplicate previous research or that there are not other alternatives available that will meet their needs.
Following computer model simulations and cell and/or tissue culture research;
Computer models are often used instead of animal testing, or in conjunction with animal testing. However, a computer simply can’t mimic the complexities of an entire biological system. That’s why animals are used.
Following an IACUC-approved animal use protocol;
The Animal Welfare Act requires that each institution establish an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which is responsible for evaluating the total animal care program, as well as for scrutinizing all proposed animal experiments. The committee must include at least one person who is unaffiliated with the institution and one veterinarian. Researchers proposing a procedure must explain to the committee in writing the number of animals they plan to use, why a certain species is necessary, and what steps will be taken to prevent unnecessary suffering. The committee has the power to reject any research proposal and stop ongoing projects if it believes USDA standards are not being met.
Following extensive training and education on the handling, care, and use of animals;
Every facility must provide training on proper handling and techniques for anyone handling a research animal.
but, before HUMAN clinical testing.
Clinical trials on humans are conducted ONLY after the product or technique is proved to be safe and efficient in animals.
Human subjects volunteer to go into these trials fully informed of any possible side effects or risks.
Resources: www. iacuc.org; ALAT Training Manual, page 10;

7. The Importance of Animals in Biomedical Research
Research institutions;
Scientists and their research staff;
Veterinarians, laboratory animal technicians, cagewashers, and other animal care personnel;
Federal and local government agencies;
Scientific organizations; and most of all,
Patients
The well-being of animals used in biomedical research is of utmost importance to all involved in research.
Research institutions, scientists, animal care personnel, government agencies, scientific organizations, and even medical patients all recognize that animals are essential to our continuing search for medical breakthroughs and feel these animals should receive the utmost care and respect.
All of these people know that the quality of the research received is commensurate with the quality of the care the research animals receive; thus excellent animal care equals excellent research results.
Lab animal and research professionals believe the use of animals is a privilege; therefore, the animals must be treated respectfully, carefully, and responsibly.

8. Austin College IACUC
By law, an institutional committee must review all aspects of the animal care and use program. This committee is most commonly referred to as the "Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee", or IACUC.
Important people to know:
IACUC Chairperson: Lance Barton
Attending Veterinarian: Gordon Brackee, DVM
Clinical Veterinarian(s): Brakebill Animal Hospital
Other IACUC members: Don Rodgers
Lance Barton
Patrice Parsons
David Aiello
5. Current Animal Users: Lance Barton (Moody)
Wayne Meyer (Moody)
Renee Countryman (Hopkins)

9. Austin College IACUC The IACUC is responsible for:
Reviewing and approving animal use by faculty for research or teaching
Monitoring the animal care and use program at the College
Remember: Animal Research is a privilege and not a right.
This system is built on trust, any serious issue of noncompliance can jeopardize Austin College’s privilege to use animals.

10. Animal Care Regulations
The USDA and the PHS regulate animal care and use procedures according to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and their respective federal policies.
USDA – large mammals (not rodents)
PHS – all vertebrates
The purpose of these concepts is to minimize animal use and pain or distress while still achieving the critical scientific objectives that lead to advances in health and medicine.

11. USDA Pain and Distress Level B: Breeding or Holding Colony Protocols
Level C: No more than momentary or slight pain or distress.
Level D: Pain or distress relieved with anesthetics, analgesics and/or tranquilizer drugs or other methods for relieving pain or distress.
Level E: Pain or distress or potential pain or distress that is not relieved with anesthetics, analgesics and/or tranquilizer drugs or other methods for relieving pain or distress.
Pain & Distress must be minimized at all times

12. Before you can use animals at Austin College, you must…
Contact the IACUC chair and discuss your plans.
Speak with one of the Animal Users who helps run the Hopkins or Moody Animal facilities about your plans.
Prepare and submit an animal use protocol for approval by the Austin College IACUC.
Document the training of both yourself and your student workers with the IACUC.
Purchase and prepare food, bedding, water, and housing facilities before your animals arrive.

13. Austin College Animal Use Facilities
Birds: Quail - Moody 322A
Rodents: Mice - Moody 324A
Rats – Moody 324B
Frogs: Moody 310 or Moody 322B
Hopkins facility has been renovated for rodent use
Field Studies & other off-campus research projects must also be approved by the IACUC.

14. Animal Housing Requirements
Floor Space Requirements
(per animal)
Birds: Quail – 0.25 sq. ft.
Mice: 15 sq. in.
Rats: sq. cm
depends on mass/size
Temperature Requirements
Birds: 61 – 81 º F
Rodents: 64 – 79 º F
All animals are to be kept on a hour photoperiod
Minimize all disturbances and noise to the animal facility
(white noise sources may be needed)

15. Animal Husbandry Requirements: Food
All animals must be fed palatable, non-contaminated, nutritionally adequate food daily
Immediately dispose of moldy, insect infested, or otherwise contaminated food
Food should be stored in sealed containers and kept off the floor
Animal foods generally have a shelf-life of 6 months.
Treats may be added to the diet, but must be kept fresh and stored correctly
Texoma Feed stocks many Purina manufactured diets
Sterile diets can be purchased through LabSupply (Ft. Worth)

16. Animal Husbandry Requirements: Water
All animals must have access to potable, uncontaminated drinking water
Immediately dispose of contaminated water
When using water bottles, it is better to replace than to refill
Water and food levels should be checked daily

17. Animal Husbandry Requirements: Bedding
Bedding is a controllable environmental factor that can affect experimental outcomes. Check which bedding type is best for your animals and your experiments.
Bedding should remain dry between cage changes
Contaminated bedding should not come in contact with food or water sources
Bedding must be changed at appropriate intervals (varies from daily to weekly)
All used bedding and wastes should be disposed of immediately

18. Animal Husbandry Requirements: Sanitation
Primary enclosures should be sanitized with each bedding change (rodents once a week or more)
Enclosures with non-contact bedding or dropping catch pans need to be cleaned monthly
Hot water (160 º F) and disinfectants should be used for cleaning, all materials rinsed thoroughly
Animals with mineral deposits in excrement (rabbits) must have cages acid treated prior to disinfectant washing
Sanitation procedures should be monitored through the Rodac microbiology monitoring program (see Lance Barton)

19. Animal Husbandry Requirements: Sanitation
All animal facilities, tools, utensils should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular schedule.
Floor drains need to be treated with 1 cup of bleach every two weeks.
All laboratory safety rules apply when handling animals, chemicals, and cleaners in the animal housing areas
eye protection
gloves
clothing protection

20. Animal Husbandry Weekend and holiday care for the animals is essential
In the event of a disaster (including loss of power), make sure you are aware of what needs to be done to care for the animals.
See the IACUC for the Austin College disaster plan
Make sure you know all species specific handling procedures
Be careful to watch food and bedding supplies and order in advance. Some lab diets or litters can take 3 weeks to receive. Some bedding materials are ordered on an annual basis.

21. Euthanasia
All animals are to be euthanized according to AVMA recommendations, unless otherwise approved by the IACUC
Approved: CO2 or overdose of anesthetics
Not approved: cervical dislocation or other physical means without anesthesia
Do not perform euthanasia, or any other procedure on an animal until a person experienced with the procedure has trained you, and you feel confident performing the technique.
When possible, two mechanisms of euthanasia should always be performed on each animal – make sure you verify death
Do NOT perform euthanasia in the presence of other animals

22. Surgery or Medical Care
Report any unusual behavior, injuries, or health concerns to the veterinarian.
Any unusual deaths require a veterinary autopsy
Proper use of anesthetics, analgesics, or medication requires PI supervision and training
Use only sterile needles, scalpels, and other implements with each animal
NEVER RECAP NEEDLES! Sharps containers are provided for disposal of needles, scalpel blades, etc.

23. Field Study Special Concerns
Animals not housed in the Austin College Facilities or wild animals are not subject to the same care and represent unique risks for student and faculty safety.
Please consider appropriate procedures for the following items:
What to do if an animal gets injured in the field?
What to do if a student gets injured in the field?
How will distress be minimized?
What additional risks to the study exist in this environment?
Please consult Laber, et al., (2007)Field studies and the IACUC: protocol review, oversight, and occupational health and safety considerations, Lab Animal 36:1, p27-33 and contact the IACUC chair for more information.

24. Animal User Protection
Health risks associated with animal research include
Zoonotic disease
Allergies
Bites & Scratches
Needle Sticks
Chemical or Biohazard exposure
Environmental/Laboratory hazards
Exercise CAUTION at all times when in the animal facilities
Report any indications of illness, respiratory problems, or physical trauma (ie. bites or scratches) to the nurse immediately
All student workers must complete a pre-exposure and subsequent annual health surveys with the nurse.

25. Animal User Protection
Level I Risk Animals:
Pre-exposure survey must be completed with the nurse’s office
Annual surveys must be completed each year
Maintain a current tetanus vaccination
Personal protection that needs to be available:
Face masks
Gloves
Lab coats
Eyeglasses
Bouffant hair caps (microbial isolators)

26. Animal User Training
In addition to completing this training, you should also examine the following online training services.
Complete one of the recommended free courses (contact Lance Barton) and have your exam results documented and sent to the IACUC. There are a number of courses and exams from working with the IACUC to specific species procedures.
  There are a number of links to other institutions and organizations that provide information on animal care and use in the laboratory. There is a lot of valuable information here, but may require some time to explore.

27. Animal Care Deficiencies
Any serious deficiencies in animal care can cost Austin College its privilege to perform animal research
If you see any deficiency in animal care and/or husbandry, you must report the deficiency to the IACUC Chair, to Mike Imhoff, VPAA or anonymously online through the IACUC website.
No person reporting a deficiency should be approached, reprised, or discriminated against.
The IACUC and our attending veterinarian will inspect all animal facilities and procedures semi-annually and you will be apprised of any deficiencies or policy changes.

28. Federal Policies and Regulations
If you have any questions about the federal laws or the Austin College IACUC policies there are a number of references you may consult.
The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (available online)
Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (available online)
Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations (USDA) (available online)
National Library of Medicine
National Agricultural Library
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (

29. Animal User Education
If you have any questions or need assistance preparing to use animals on campus for research or teaching purposes, please consult the references listed previously. Additional resources available through the Austin College IACUC include:
Laboratory Animal Management of Rodents
Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals
Guidelines for the Care and Use of Mammals in Neuroscience and Behavioral Research
Recognition and Alleviation of Pain and Distress in Laboratory Animals
Education and Training in the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

30. Questions/Comments/Concerns
Thank you for your patience and attention
Please refer any questions, comments, or concerns to Lance Barton