Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and ...

that “Procedures involving animals should be designedand performed with due consideration of their relevanceto human or animal health, the advancement of knowledge,or the good of society.” Because IACUCs are notordinarily constituted to function as scientific peer-reviewcommittees, the IACUC should be judicious inreviewing the merit of proposed research and teachingactivities (Mann and Prentice, 2004). Institutionsshould consider developing other mechanisms for peermerit review of research projects that have not alreadybeen reviewed by outside agencies. Although qualifiedpeer review of research and teaching is important toconsider, such peer review does not eliminate the needfor the IACUC to thoughtfully review animal use.Institutions must develop policies for animal care anduse related to research conducted off site as well asresearch using privately owned animals on and off site.The fact that research is conducted off site does notlessen the responsibility of the institution to assure appropriateand humane animal care and use.IACUCs are encouraged to work with investigatorsto help them refine their protocols and proposed animalcare and use practices.The common acceptance and use in animal agricultureof a production system, management practice, orroutine procedure does not reduce the responsibility ofevery animal user to follow applicable laws, regulations,and policies, including the standards outlined in thisguide. Exceptions to some provisions, however, may bejustifiable to obtain new knowledge or to demonstratemethods commonly used in commercial agriculturalanimal production. For example, applied research andteaching may require the use of production practicesthat are consistent with those currently in use in theappropriate industry even though those practices differfrom those outlined in this guide; also, research andteaching dealing with infectious diseases, toxins, orproducts of biotechnology may require special facilities.Exceptions to this guide should be stated explicitly inresearch and teaching protocols and be reviewed andapproved by the IACUC.WRITTEN OPERATINGPROCEDURESIt is important to develop written policies or proceduresfor animal care and husbandry in the form ofwritten operating procedures for each operating unitin the program. The IACUC must review and approveall written operating procedures involving the potentialto cause pain or distress and should review all writtenoperating procedures pertaining to animal care andhusbandry. The written procedures must be filed in theappropriate administrative office and in locations accessibleto those individuals involved in carrying outthe designated procedures and must be monitored regularlyby personnel designated by the institution.INSTITUTIONAL POLICIESThere are certain commercial husbandry practicesroutinely carried out on agricultural animals that maycause temporary discomfort or pain. These standardagricultural practices (see Chapter 3 and Chapters 6to 11) need not necessarily be described separately foreach study, experiment, or demonstration, but are acceptableas written operating procedures provided thatthe practices 1) are warranted to sustain the long-termwelfare of the animal and(or) the animal’s caretakersor handlers; 2) are performed by or under the directsupervision of capable, trained, and experienced personnel;and 3) are performed with precautions taken toreduce pain, stress, and infection. The written operatingprocedures for alleviating pain and distress shouldbe reviewed and approved by the IACUC.Husbandry procedures and production methods atagricultural research facilities should be revised as researchdemonstrates improvements. Research on improvedmethods and procedures is encouraged.ANIMAL HEALTH CAREAdequate health care and records thereof must beprovided for all agricultural animals used in researchand teaching (see Chapter 2: Agricultural AnimalHealth Care). Institutional requirements will determinewhether full-time, part-time, or consulting veterinaryservices are appropriate.BIOSECURITYIt is essential that the agricultural animal care staffmaintain a high standard of biosecurity to protect theanimals from pathogenic organisms that can be transferredby humans. For additional details on biosecurityissues, see Chapter 3: Husbandry, Housing, and Biosecurity.PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONSIt is the responsibility of the institution to ensurethat scientists, agricultural animal care staff, students,and other individuals who care for or use agriculturalanimals are qualified to do so through training or experience.Appropriate supervision should be provided topersonnel until their competency is assured. Trainingprograms should be tailored to institutional animal userneeds but provide information about the humane careand use of agricultural animals, including, if applicable,1) husbandry needs, proper handling, surgical procedures,and pre- and post-procedural care; 2) methodsfor minimizing the number of animals used and techniquesfor minimizing pain and distress, including theproper use of anesthetics, analgesics, tranquilizers, andnonpharmocologic methods; 3) methods for reportingdeficiencies in the animal care program; 4) use of informationservices such as the Animal Welfare Informa-3