Animals in Research Donald B. Casebolt, DVM, MPVM, DACLAM
Feb 26, 2016
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?