Question & AnswerQ&A (BAI ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 40-99)
The primary purpose is to institute basic systems, organizations, and practices in all laboratory animal care and use establishments to safeguard the welfare of animals used in scientific procedures and to grant authorization to conduct such procedures.
Any private or government entity, including persons, partnerships, organizations, firms, cooperatives, corporations, associations, and institutions involved in medical, dental, allied, research, academic and/or scientific activities must secure authorization from the Bureau of Animal Industry.
IACUC is a committee in an establishment composed of at least three members including a licensed veterinarian, a person experienced in scientific procedures involving animals, and a public member not affiliated with the institution. It evaluates and approves the Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP) and scientific protocols, monitors implementation, conducts inspections, and reports to the BAI.
Scientific procedures refer to any activity involving manipulation of animals for biomedical research, teaching and instruction, product testing (food, drugs, agrochemicals, cosmetics), and production of antisera or other biologicals.
An entity must submit an Application for Authorization, Description of Animal Care and Use Program signed by a licensed veterinarian, an Animal Care and Use Program Accreditation Certificate, Animal Technician Training Program documentation, and Certification that an IACUC exists.
Exemptions include clinical tests on animals for veterinary products according to regulatory standards, recognized veterinary procedures necessary for animal welfare (e.g., therapy, vaccination, diagnostic tests), and recognized agricultural practices unless they are part of an experiment.
The authorization is valid for two years and is renewable thereafter subject to compliance evaluation.
Authorization may be revoked for failure to conduct the Animal Technician Training Program and for misrepresentation of any material fact in the ACUP description or the reports of the IACUC.
Euthanasia is the process of inducing painless death to animals, done rapidly and humanely with the least fear, pain, anxiety, and distress. It should be conducted away from public view, and consideration is given to handling immediately before and during the procedure.
Small rodents are placed in a large chamber or plastic bag that is subsequently filled with CO2 at a concentration of at least 40%. CO2 is ideal for euthanizing several animals simultaneously.
The IACUC evaluates and approves the Animal Care and Use Program and scientific protocols, monitors implementation through inspections, reviews scientific procedures, and submits an annual report to the Bureau of Animal Industry.
Revoked entities can only re-apply for authorization after one year from the date of revocation.