IACUCs

IACUCs, or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, are local bodies responsible for the oversight and evaluation of an institution's program for the care and use of animals in research, teaching, and testing. They review animal use proposals, monitor compliance with applicable laws and guidelines, and seek to ensure humane treatment and welfare of animals.

Most IACUCs operate under national or regional regulations and institutional policies. In the United States, oversight combines the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the Animal Welfare Act, with implementation carried out by the institution's IACUC, the principal investigator, the attending veterinarian, and the Institutional Official. Similar frameworks exist in other countries under national animal welfare laws and guidelines.

Composition: An IACUC is appointed by the institution and typically includes scientists, a veterinarian, a non-scientist member from the local community, and additional members. The committee must include at least one member not affiliated with the institution and at least one veterinarian. Members come from diverse backgrounds to provide scientific, welfare, and ethical perspectives; they operate independently of day-to-day research activities.

Functions: The IACUC reviews and approves proposed animal use protocols, monitors ongoing activities, and inspects animal housing and care facilities. It assesses protocol details for humane handling, anesthesia and analgesia, endpoints, and measures to reduce numbers of animals (3Rs: Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). It can require modifications, suspend or terminate activities, and ensures staff training. It conducts semiannual facility inspections and reviews program compliance.

Process and oversight: Protocol submission, committee review (full committee or designated member review), and ongoing compliance monitoring. IACUCs maintain records and produce periodic reports to institutional authorities and funding agencies. They may coordinate with veterinarians, compliance offices, and external accrediting bodies.