Research Insights

Several new and revised animal care and use policies were made over the last year by the UGA IACUC in response to important changes to two key benchmark documents: the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals.

Following are summaries and links to the new/revised policies. Complete information can be found on the IACUC website.

Acclimation of animals after arrival at UGA. This pertains to ALL research or instruction projects. The standard acclimation period (before any procedures can be performed) is seven days.

Anesthesia and surgery. This pertains to any project which involves anesthesia OR surgery. There are very specific requirements for written documentation of anesthesia (with or without surgery) and surgery. Surgery records must permanently remain in the animal’s record, and the records must be in the same room with the animal until it is euthanized.

Satellite animal facilities. This pertains to animals being housed outside of a standard URAR animal facility or farm, and research teams providing husbandry for their animals.

Reporting unanticipated research outcomes.   Principal investigators must report unanticipated outcomes and/or adverse experimental events to the IACUC.

Social housing policy.   According to the new Guide, single housing of social animal species is now considered the exception, not the default. There are legitimate exceptions to this, as outlined in the policy. However, these exceptions should be reviewed and approved by the IACUC and/or by the attending veterinarian for laboratory animals (for medical or behavioral reasons).

Visitor policy (revised).

AUP-to-AUP transfer form.
The Office of Animal Care and Use and the IACUC appreciate your understanding and patience as we continuously coevolve with ever-changing compliance requirements.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office at IACUC@uga.edu