E N D
1. A Pithy Review of Laws and Regulations Governing Animals in Biomedical Research
Cynthia Pekow, DVM
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
2. What does an IACUC member need to know about animal laws & regs?
Which laws pertain to research animal use
Varies with species, funding sources
Who enforces the laws, who accredits
What is the purpose and role of the IACUC
Where to find good resources
What all those acronyms mean…
3. Dull history lesson FDR 1935, Social Security Act:
$2 million/year for disease research
Surging economy post WW II
Taxpayer funding for health-related research
Explosive increase in biomedical research
4.
5.
6.
9. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Basis for PHS evaluation of animal care and use program
Also used by AAALAC
Available free on web
Translated into
many languages
Government publication
10. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Outlines and provides references for:
Veterinary care
Euthanasia
Housing and environment
Personnel qualifications
Sanitation
Surgical and post-operative care
Facility construction
11. Professional Judgment The principles of the Guide are outcome-based and include professional judgment and performance standards
12. The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) Passed in 1966
“Pepper” the stolen Dalmation, Sports Illustrated
Life Magazine feature
18. The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) Act applies to
Animal research facilities
Animal dealers and exhibitors
Operators of auction sales
Carriers and handlers of animals in shipment
USDA role
Writes specifics (CFR)
Enforces: unannounced visits
19. The Animal Welfare Act Covers warm-blooded animals in research EXCEPT:
Farm animals in agricultural research
Purpose bred mice and rats, and birds
20. The Animal Welfare Act
21. AWA IACUC Specifics IACUC includes:
Veterinarian
Public Member
At least 3 members
Approves, monitors research
Twice yearly facility & program review
Prompt reporting of deficiencies
Search for alternatives to painful procedures, duplication of work
22. Who else requires an IACUC? Public Health Service
Part of US Dept of Health and Human Services
Applies to institutions that accept PHS support ($$)
Includes 27 NIH institutes
23. US Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research and Training Interagency Research Animal Committee
1983-4
24. Health Research Extension Act: 1985 Policy on animal use applies to any group receiving Public Health Service (PHS) $$
PHS includes: NIH, CDC, FDA, others
Applies to all vertebrate animals
PHS Policy implements the Act
25. Public Health Service Policy Covers all vertebrate animals (mice!)
Mandates IACUC with
At least 5 members
Veterinarian
Public member
Practicing scientist
Nonscientist member
26. Public Health Service Policy Assurance filed with the NIH OLAW
Specifies:
IACUC makeup, responsibilities
Training
Occupational Health Program
Veterinary Care
Guide basis for evaluation of program and facilities
27. More about that PHS Policy Institutional Official (IO) has ultimate responsibility for compliance (CEO appointed)
IACUC responsibility to review and verify approval of all animal protocols
Semi-annual facility/program reviews and training for all animal users must be described
Prompt reporting of problems
28. Alternatives to Painful Experiments 1985- Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC) at the National Agriculture Library in Beltsville, Maryland
To check for alternatives and avoid unnecessary duplication
30. AAALAC, since 1965 Site visits every 3 years
Council of experts evaluates report
Full vs Probationary vs Revoked
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International
Voluntary
Extensive program description
Guide basis for evaluation
32. William Russell and Rex Burch The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique - 1959
Humanity vs. Inhumanity
33. The 3 R’s of Russell and Burch Replacement - a system that does not include the use of a living animal
Reduction - any strategy that will result in the use of less animals
Refinement - modifications that minimize pain and distress and enhance well-being
34. AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia Basis for most IACUC determinations of humane or acceptable euthanasia
Justification required if method is not recommended
Most recent edition published
in June 2007
35. Good Laboratory Practices Act 1974 FDA and EPA
Testing of food, drugs, pesticides, medical devices
Written Standard Operating Procedures
Extensive record keeping
Quality assurance
36. Freedom of Information Act 1966 If taxpayer $$ are used, public can access information
USDA inspection reports on the web (off and now on again…)
Spawned state
“sunshine acts”
37. Additional Laws
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) 1973
Endangered Species Act 1973
Pound Seizure Laws, state acts
39. Take Home Messages: Animal Welfare Act
Warm-blooded animals, not mice/rats/birds
Enforced by USDA, unannounced inspections
Registration with USDA
Annual report with animal numbers, pain categories
Documented literature searches for alternatives to painful procedures and unnecessary duplication
IACUC with at least 3 members
Specifics in Code of Federal Regulations
40. Take Home Messages: Public Health Service Policy
Applies if you accept PHS money
Applies to vertebrate animals
Enforced by OLAW
Assurance document, annual update
IACUC with at least 5 members
Prompt reporting of deficiencies
Guide basis for evaluation
41. Take Home Messages: Good Laboratory Practices
Applies to preclinical studies where approval by FDA or EPA will be sought
Requires a Quality Assurance Unit
Requires extensive record keeping
Enforced by FDA or EPA
42. Take Home Messages: AAALAC, International
Voluntary
Not part of government
Extensive program description
Site visit every 3 years, annual report
Guide basis for evaluation
43. Take Home Messages: Freedom of Information Act
Your records of USDA inspections, OLAW reports are open to the public
State sunshine laws
State Pet Protection or Pound Seizure laws
44. It all comes down to personal integrity