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Oklahoma State University
University Research Compliance

A unit in the Division of the Vice President for Research

Animal Use

What is the IACUC?

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is established by federal mandate at institutions that use live, vertebrate animals for research, teaching, and testing activities. The IACUC oversees and evaluates all aspects of the institution's animal care and use program. This authority comes from 1) the Animal Welfare Act, and 2) the Health Research Extension Act (Public Health Service Policy). The IACUC also reviews activities involving animals for compliance with other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines. OSU policy requires IACUC review and approval of all research, teaching, and testing activities involving live, vertebrate animals prior to initiating the activity.

Federally Mandated Function of the IACUC:

  • Review, at least once every six months, the institution's program for humane care and use of animals using the PHS Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and when appropriate The Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching.
     
  • Inspect, at least once every six months, all of the institution’s animal facilities using the PHS Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and when appropriate The Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching. Inspections may be performed without advance notice to a facility director/manager.
     
  • Prepare reports of IACUC evaluations and submit reports to the Institutional Official (IO).
     
  • Review concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution.
     
  • Make written recommendations to the IO regarding any aspect of the University’s animal program, facilities, or personnel training.
     
  • Review and approve, require modifications in, or withhold approval of those components of proposed activities related to the care and use of animals with a complete review conducted as required per germane regulations.
     
  • Review and approve, require modifications in, or withhold approval of proposed significant changes regarding the care and use of animals in ongoing activities.
     
  • Be authorized to suspend an activity involving animals if it determines that the activity is not being conducted in accordance with the description provided by the investigator and approved by the IACUC, and/or in accordance with specifications in IV.C.6 of PHS Policy (i.e., any activity that is not being conducted in accordance with applicable provisions of the AWA, the PHS Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the University’s assurance, or PHS Policy). This action may be taken only after review of the matter at a convened meeting of a quorum of the IACUC and a vote for suspension by the majority of the quorum present. The IO, in consultation with the IACUC, shall review the reasons for the suspension, take appropriate corrective action, and report that action with a full explanation to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) or the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and any agency or sponsor funding that activity.
     
  • Evaluate institutional compliance with the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, and University policies.
     
  • Report noncompliance and any suspensions to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW).
     

The committee is made up of:

At least five (5) members, including a veterinarian with program responsibilities, a scientist experienced in laboratory animal research, a non-scientist, and an individual who has no other affiliation with OSU besides membership on the IACUC. The Institutional Official (IO) appoints IACUC members. The IO is the vice president for research.