IACUC.org is now IACUC Central, a comprehensive repository for all things IACUC. IACUC Central is a valuable resource for institutional animal care and use committee members and staff. Updated quarterly, IACUC Central organizes information into pages containing links to governmental agencies, databases, examples of institutional websites, training resources, and more.
NEWS
OLAW
OLAW expects institutions to fully implement the new AVMA euthanasia guidelines after October 1, 2020.
OLAW is seeking input on grant to protocol congruency by October 29, 2020.
OLAW is also seeking public comments on the use of the AAALAC International Program Description sections in the OLAW Animal Welfare Assurance. All comments must be submitted electronically on or before November 28, 2020 at 11:59 PM EST.
USDA APHIS
AWA Research Facility Registration Updates, Reviews, and Reports
APHIS proposed a rule change (PDF) to amend the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations governing research facilities.
APHIS Seeks Input on a Policy on Free-living Wild Species in Their Natural Habitat
APHIS is seeking public comment on a proposed policy document, "Research Involving Free-living Wild Species In Their Natural Habitat," to assist research institutions in determining whether an activity involving free-living wild animals in their natural habitat meets the regulatory definition of "field study." The proposed policy would describe criteria that research facilities could use to identify activities that are invasive, harmful, or that materially alter animal behavior. Deadline: October 12, 2020.
On September 15, 2020 all USDA-registered facilities will receive their Annual Report packet electronically, which will include all the applicable reporting forms and information. More info.
Tech Note July 2020 (PDF)
New requirement for Veterinary Care Standards for Dogs: "...written formal arrangements must be made and signed by the Attending Veterinarian that includes the following; regularly scheduled annual visits, complete physical annual exams of each dog by the Attending Veterinarian ..." The AV must conduct these annual health assessments; these responsibilities may not be delegated to another veterinarian or designee.
An updated Public Search Tool providing access to AWA compliance records will launch September 21, 2020. Until then, the current version of the Search Tool may be used.
Virtual Listening Sessions Seeking Public Input on Regulations Regarding The Welfare Of Birds Not Bred For Use In Research
Three virtual listening sessions will be held to gather information to assist in the development of regulations consistent with the AWA.
- Tuesday, September 29, 2020, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
- Wednesday, October 7, 2020, 2:00 p.m. EDT
- Thursday, October 15, 2020, 5:00 p.m. EDT
Standard Operating Procedures for Resuming Facility Inspections During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Effective July 20, 2020
Changes to Animal Welfare Act Licensing Requirements
New and improved online Annual Reporting system for research facilities.
2019 Highlights: Animal Welfare Impact (PDF)
Reduction of Regulatory Burden
21st Century Cures Act: Next Steps, 58-min video, December 2019.
21st Century Cures Act - Animal Care and Use in Research - The Act, a report, comments, and listening sessions
Conferences
PRIM&R - IACUC Conferences
- April 12–13, 2021; Denver, Colorado
Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW) - SCAW Winter Conference - Sessions will provide key findings and advances in research animal welfare, explore policy and management issues related to IACUCs, and develop awareness of humane care and use of agricultural animals in research.
- December 7–8, 2020; Virtual
- December 6–7, 2021; San Antonio, Texas
- December 5–6, 2022; San Antonio, Texas
Workshops
Interagency Collaborative Animal Research Education (ICARE) Project
Massachusetts Society for Medical Research, Inc. — 2020 MSMR Online IACUC Training in 6 Weekly Sessions
USDA: Animal Welfare Information Center - Meeting the Information Requirements of the Animal Welfare Act in Beltsville, Maryland
- March 24 and 25, 2021
- May 6, 2021 (Virtual)
- October 6 and 7, 2021
