Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

Overview

Federal regulations mandate the establishment of an IACUC at institutions using animals as defined by USDA or conducting vertebrate species research funded by PHS. The IACUC is responsible for reviewing all animal-use protocols by institutional employees, including field studies and offsite facilities.

What We Do

The IACUC ensures compliance with federal and local regulations governing animal care and use in research. Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing animal study proposals.
• Conducting post-approval monitoring of protocols.
• Overseeing the institution's animal care program.
• Inspecting animal housing and use facilities.

The IACUC comprises faculty, staff with animal care experience, a veterinarian, and a community member. Meetings occur at least once per semester to review protocols, conduct inspections, and address other business. Between meetings, protocols are reviewed electronically.

Regulatory Framework

1. Animal Welfare Act (AWA): Covers species used in research other than rats, mice, and birds. Compliance is monitored through USDA inspections.
2. Public Health Service (PHS) Policy: Overseen by OLAW, requires institutions receiving PHS funding to ensure proper care and use of all animals in research, training, and testing.
3. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Establishes standards for policies, housing, veterinary care, and facilities.

The IACUC evaluates all proposed animal use against these regulations to maintain high standards of care and welfare.

USDA

PHS

The Guide 

Published by The Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) council

The Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) founded in 1952 under the auspices of the National Research Council. A component of the Commission on Life Sciences, ILAR develops guidelines and disseminates information on the scientific, technological, and ethical use of animals and related biological resources in research, testing, and education. ILAR promotes high-quality, humane care of animals and the appropriate use of animals and alternatives. ILAR functions within the mission of the National Academy of Sciences as an advisor to the federal government, the biomedical research community, and the public.

How We Operate

The IACUC is administratively managed by the Office of Research Compliance. Investigators must submit proposals via the IACUC Protocol Approval Application Form through the secure website: https://cpp.imedris.net/.

The Cal Poly Pomona Occupational Health Program protects personnel and laboratory animals by:

• Requiring personnel working with animals to complete an electronic Risk Assessment Safety Questionnaire (eRASQ).
• Reviewing eRASQs confidentially through Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S).
• Offering optional medical consultations via a Health History Questionnaire (HHQ).

Training requirements include completion of Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) modules for all personnel in contact with laboratory animals.

Why We Exist

The need for regulatory oversight of animal welfare in research dates back to the late 19th century. Key milestones include:

• 1866–1966: Early legislation focused on regulating laboratory animal welfare at state and national levels.
• 1966: Enactment of the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act, establishing USDA inspection authority.
• 1973–1979: Evolution of PHS policies, requiring institutional committees to oversee animal programs and investigator training.
• Current Framework: Regulatory bodies like NIH, USDA, and FDA collaborate under a Memorandum of Understanding to promote proper animal care while avoiding redundancy.

Today, the IACUC ensures consistent application of these standards to protect animal welfare and uphold research integrity.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee AWA A3344-01 - renewal in progress