CC IACUC

Refinement

Can protocols be modified to reduce animal pain or distress and improve animal well being while still providing the desired scientific information? Are there modifications that can be made to the care and housing of the animals? Are there modifications to experimental procedures that can reduce discomfort to the animals?

Reduction

Can the number of animals used be reduced? Can the same level of information be gained from fewer animals? Can more information be gained from the same number of animals without increasing pain or distress?

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC)

Appointed by administrative authority at the college or university Members must include: A veterinarian trained in the species used at the institution At least one practicing scientist experienced in animal research At least one member of the public not affiliated with the institution and not an animal user The IACUC function is to oversee and evaluate the use of vertebrate animals in research and teaching at the institution according to the principles outlined in the Guide

Replacement

Are there methods or models that can be used that do not involve vertebrate animals? Are animal models lower on the phylogenetic scale appropriate? (e.g. invertebrates) Are computer models systems appropriate?

Three Rs

Determining whether to use, how many to use, and appropriate protocols: Replacement Refinement Reduction

Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

Introduced in 1973; latest revision in 1986 The National Institutes of Health Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare is responsible for administration of the PHS Policy Applies to all institutions using live vertebrates in research supported by funds from any area of the Public Health Service: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institutes of Health Federal Drug Administration Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Agency for Health Care Research and Quality

Functions of IACUC

Regularly inspects facilities where animals are housed and used in research or teaching Reports inspections to college or university administration Reviews proposals for the use of animals in research or teaching Ensures individuals working with vertebrate animals at the institution are properly trained Receives and reviews concerns involving care and use of animals at the institution

Animal Welfare Regulations

Standards and regulations that were developed after Congress passed the U.S. Animal Welfare Act in 1966 The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) section of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the AWA and AWR Regulations apply to warm-blooded animals, except farm animals used for food, fiber, or other agricultural purposes and birds, rats (Rattus) and mice (Mus). (APHIS Factsheet)

Three types of protocols

Teaching /research (any use in teaching labs or research programs) Breeding (if investigators are going to maintain their own colonies) Display (for animals housed on campus not used for research or teaching)

How often does the IACUC meet?

The IACUC at Concordia meets twice yearly (Sep and Feb) to review protocols and conduct inspections of facilities where animals are housed and used

Points to consider when proposing animal use protocols

The Three Rs Housing environment (space, food, water, bedding, enrichment) Necessary training of individuals using and caring for animals Avoiding duplication of experiments Necessity of survival surgeries and multiple operative procedures Post-procedure care Criteria and procedure for removing animals from study or humanely euthanizing animals to relieve unexpected pain or distress Method of euthanasia and disposal of animal carcasses Safety of working environment for personnel

Expectation of research community?

research with animals will provide either significant new knowledge or lead to improvement in human and/or animal well-being