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Guidelines for Determining when IACUC Oversight is Required for activities using animals

A page within IACUC

PURPOSE: 

Approved animal protocols are generally, but not always required. Certain uses of animals do not fall under the purview of the IACUC. This policy clarifies the situations when a protocol is or is not required.

POLICY:

Activities that Require IACUC Approval:

IACUC approval is required before conducting research and teaching activities involving animals if ANY of the following categories apply:

  • Activities that are to be conducted with animals owned or leased by UW-La Crosse. 
  • Activities conducted on property owned, leased or managed by UW-La Crosse.
  • Activities conducted by UW-La Crosse faculty, staff or students.
  • Activities conducted using internal or external funds administered through UW-La Crosse. 
  • Field research activities that include capture, handling, behavior modification, sedation, etc.


Research or teaching conducted in collaboration with another institution or organization, including commercial entities, must be approved by an IACUC. When a protocol has been reviewed and approved by another institution’s IACUC, the UWL IACUC may not require additional review and approval. However, the PI must inform the UWL IACUC of the activity and must have documentation from the collaborating institution before an acceptance decision can be made. 

Activities that DO NOT Require IACUC Approval: 

  • Research and teaching activities using cadavers or tissues from dead animals UNLESS the cadavers or tissues are to be acquired from animals specifically purchased or euthanized for the activity.
  • Activities ordered and/or performed by the Attending Veterinarian or designee that involve only standard veterinary or emergency procedures necessary to ensure animal welfare.
  • Activities involving retrieval or use of animal-related data from records.
  • Any activity involving invertebrate species.
  • Removal of vertebrate vermin.
  • Non-research, non-teaching or non-testing activities involving privately owned animals, where the activity is not an official UW-La Crosse activity.


If you are not sure if your proposed animal use activity requires IACUC approval, please contact the UWL IACUC Office at 608.785.5195 or IACUC@uwlax.edu

NOTE: None of the work performed without a UW-La Crosse IACUC-approved protocol can be reported in any publication(s) as having been IACUC- approved by the UW-La Crosse IACUC.

 
Policy Adoption Date: 09/10/2013

Reference Minutes: 09/10/2013