Governmental Agencies Related to Research

Heather Wipijewski, CVT ALAT

Importance

Important for you, as a LAC, to understand the different rules and regulations imposed on research facilities.

Research facilities must abide by these rules/regulations whether at federal or state level.

NIH

National Institute of Health Largest source of governmental funding for

biomedical research.

EPA, National Science Foundation, some state and local government agencies and private agencies, also provide grants.

AAALAC

Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International. Founded in 1965 Encourages high level of animal care Facilities accredited by this agency – must

meet standards Voluntary site visits and evaluations performed

of facilities.

NABR

National Association for Biomedical Research Represents the interests of the public and

scientific community. Use of laboratory animals in research. Political lobbying

AVMA

American Veterinary Medical Association Parent organization for all veterinarians State organizations sub-level such as:

WVMA – Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association.

Came up with AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia (formerly known as Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia)

Standard which all methods of euthanasia are judged.

ACLAM

American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Group of DVMs who have specialized in the

field of laboratory animal medicine. Board Certified – Called Diplomats

PETA

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Against use of animals in research Animal Rights Group (extreme) Believes that if a cure was found for AIDS

through animal research – they would not use those benefits since animals were tested.

USDA

United States Department of Agriculture Set standards for proper animal facility

operation. Site visits

IACUC

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Committee which oversees and approves

animal use protocols Members that must be on committee include:

Laboratory Animal Veterinarian Scientist and non-scientist from facility Member of the community

IACUC inspects animal facilities twice/year Informational source for personnel who have

animal welfare concerns

AALAS

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science National Organization for Laboratory Animal

Science and those involved in Research Technician Certifications –

ALAT, LAT and LATg Two publications

Laboratory Animal Science and Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science

AWA

Animal Welfare Act Applies to groups or institutions that sell, auction,

exhibit, transport, breed or conduct research with animals

Covers all warm blooded vertebrates except birds. Does not cover animals intended for food or fiber Covers all wild mammals, even wild mice and rats Does not cover domesticated mice and rats Deals with housing, feeding, watering, medical records,

euthanasia, transportation, enrichment, exercise, sanitation, ventilation, separation of species and veterinary care.

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

Booklet prepared by ILAR (Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources. The Bible of Lab Animal Medicine Outlines adequate veterinary care, facility

environment and housing requirements, personnel qualifications, sanitation standards, surgical and postsurgical care, acceptable euthanasia techniques and facility construction guidelines.

GLP’s

Good Laboratory Practices Apply to animal and non-animal research

Funded by FDA Facilities must comply with GLP’s by

Write SOP’s for all husbandry and scientific procedures

Train personnel and maintain records for employees

Provide proper daily care to animals House species seperately Adequate documentation

THE THREE R’S

Based on ethics relating to animals used in research

Developed by Russell and Burch Replacement- Use of cell/tissue cultures or

mathematical models instead of animals when possible.

Refinement – Refine procedures to minimize stress or pain to animals when possible

Reduction – Use the minimum amount of animals.

PEOPLE IN RESEARCHPI

Principal InvestigatorPlans and coordinates all phases of the research work

Co-Investigators and Research TechniciansPerform the specific research tasks required

•Perform lab tests•Assist with preparations

•Collect, organize and analyze data collected

Lab Animal Caretakers/Lab Animal Technicians (depends on facility for job title)Essential members of team

•Perform many animal care functions•Control undesirable variables

•Feeding, watering, sanitation, etc

Laboratory Animal VeterinarianCoordinates animal care and activities

•Advises investigators on proper animal model selection•Responsible for the overall maintenance of animal colony

PROTOCOL

PROTOCOLDetailed description of study

ANIMAL PROTOCOLUse of animals in study

IACUCReviews animal use

protocolSTUDY BEGINS

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