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Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

The IACUC is an important element of LSSU’s compliance with federal and state regulations and plays an essential role in advising the Institution on all matters related to its program for the care and use of animals. IACUC members include faculty who are experienced users of animals, at least one non-user faculty member and a public member, not affiliated with the University.

The IACUC conducts the reviews of research and instructional projects for the proper care and use of vertebrate animals that are required by PHS and University procedures. IACUC approval is necessary before investigators and course instructors can procure animals or initiate any research, testing, or instructional project involving the use of vertebrate animals.

The IACUC concerns itself with a number of aspects of a proposal: the proposed housing and husbandry procedures; the health status of the animals; the provisions for proper veterinary care; the measures taken to minimize the number of animals required to produce valid results and alleviate any potential animal pain or discomfort; and the adequacy of the training and experience of the personnel using and caring for the animals.

The IACUC also performs program reviews and facilities inspections at least once every six months as required by law and files these reports with the Institutional Official.

In order to meet statutory requirements, while also serving broad educational objectives, the IACUC has developed an orientation program for all those who wish to use animals for teaching and/or research. All investigators who conduct animal research in their laboratories will be provided with a copy of this manual and its appendices. They are expected to review this material and to sign a statement (which is incorporated in the AUVA form) acknowledging responsibility for being familiar with applicable rules and institutional policies and for ensuring that all personnel involved in their project know and comply with these regulations and policies.

General Certification

Personnel who have contact with live animals for the purpose of research and/or teaching will be required to be participate in a species-specific certification program prior to initiating contact with animals. This certification requires (1) completion of a written examination based on this manual and appendices and (2) participation in applicable species-specific training.

Special Procedures

Animal users employing specialized procedures (e.g., tagging, restraint, etc.) will be required to demonstrate proficiency in these procedures by means of an individualized review conducted by the IACUC staff or by a person approved by the IACUC. In some cases, specialized training arranged by the IACUC may be available.