What We Do
The primary function of Animal Resources is to ensure that all state and federal regulations regarding the humane care and use of animals in research and teaching are strictly followed at the University. This unit ensures that vertebrate animals are treated in a humane manner and that animal care personnel are protected from possible harm when working with animals. If infractions are found, Animal Resources is empowered to shut down all animal research conducted in the laboratory.
Another function of Animal Resources is to conduct regular, mandatory training sessions for any individual who uses vertebrate animals in his/her teaching or research. At that training session each trainee receives a comprehensive manual which details the federal guidelines on the proper use and care of animals as well as other important information on proper anesthesia, sterile surgical methods, post-operative care, etc.
The regulatory arm of Animal Resources is the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) which consists of 12 members and includes the University veterinarian, faculty, staff, and non-University members. This committee meets monthly 1) to discuss issues involving animal care and use (e.g., the effectiveness of the training program) and 2) to review teaching and research proposals employing vertebrate animals. Proposal approval by this committee is required before the research/teaching project can commence. As part of proposal review, the committee carefully scrutinizes: 1) that each animal used is clearly justified and necessary; 2) that proper levels of anesthesia are employed; 3) that the proposed use of animals does not duplicate past research, 4) that arrangements have been made for animal care; and 5) that the animals used will be treated in a humane manner under conditions which minimize both stress and pain. Proposals found lacking are not approved. In such circumstances, the reseach/teaching project can not proceed. Further, without IACUC approval federal and private funding agencies will not consider a research or teaching application. Thus, it is not possible to receive funding unless the guidelines on vertebrate animal use and care are followed, as documented by the Public Health Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state agencies.
A second function of the IACUC is to inspect all animal facilities twice a year to ensure that vertebrate animals are healthy, properly cared for, and maintained in a clean and well-ventilated environment. The results of this bi-annual inspection are sent to the the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at the University who forwards the statement to federal authorities. Again, if a laboratory fails to compile, the IACUC is empowered to shut down the research/teaching effort until compliance is achieved. Research and teaching laboratories are also independently inspected by USDA and Public Health Services staff. These are usually unannounced inspections.
Important Note: Since a primary function of Animal Resources is to ensure the humane treatment of animals, any suspected mistreatment should be reported immediately to either the University veterinarian or the Chair of the IACUC (see our Contact information page). All reports will be held in strict confidence and addressed immediately. The outcome of the inquiry will be reported back to the individual promptly.