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?