Animal Care

Guide to the Responsible Care & Use of Laboratory Animals at UWM:
Table of Contents and Introduction

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter I: General Principles and Concepts

• Animal Welfare Regulations (AWRs)
• Public Health Service Policy
• UW-System Policy
• Animal Care and Use Principles

Chapter II: Organizational Structure for Animal Care and Use at UWM

• Structure of Organization 13
• Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee 13
• Department of Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management 14
• Attending Veterinarian 15
• The Principal Investigators 15
• The Departments, Schools, and Colleges 16

Chapter III: Review of Animal Protocols

• Criteria for Review of Protocols
• Review Process for Animal Protocols
• Appealing a Decision
• Frequency of Committee Review

Chapter IV: Ethics and Alternatives

• Ethics
• Alternatives
• Searching for alternatives

Chapter V: Animal Facilities

• Regulatory Definition of Animal Facilities
• Inspections
• Tour Policy

Chapter VI: Veterinary Medical Care

• Animal Procurement and Transportation
• Preventative Medicine
• Surveillance, Diagnosis, Treatment and Control of Disease
• Provisions for Emergency, Weekend and Holiday Care
• Genetics and Nomenclature
• Drug Storage and Control

Chapter VII: Animal Procurement

• Animal Order Form

Chapter VIII: Guidelines for Animal Identification, Census Records, Standard Operating Procedures and Environmental Enrichment

• Animal Identification and Census Guidelines
• Purposes of Animal Cage Labeling
• Purposes of Animal Census Records
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Environmental Enrichment

Chapter IX: Use of Radioactive Materials In Animals

• Responsibilities
• Pre-Use Evaluation
• Animal Care Requirements
• Waste Disposal

Chaper X Occupational Health and Safety

• Occupational Health Program
• Specific Zoonoses
• Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases
• Other Potential Zoonotic Diseases

Chapter XI: Training

• Training Opportunities at UWM
• Continuing Education
• References

Chapter XII: Pains, Distress, Analgesia and Anesthesia

• How and by Whom are Levels of Pain and Distress Assessed and Categorized
• IACUC Guidelines for Avoiding Unnecessary Pain or Distress
• Training and Experience of Personnel Performing Anesthesia
• General Considerations of Anesthesia
• Anesthetic Agents
• Rodent Anesthesia
• Anesthesia by Species
• Postoperative Analgesia

Chapter XIII: Guidelines and Procedures for Rodent and Avian Surgeries

Chapter XIV: Euthanasia Guidelines and Animal Adoption/Procurement Program

• Modes and Methods
• Recommended Methods by Species
• Adoption/Procurement Program

Bibliography

INTRODUCTION

The scientific advancements which have enhanced the well being of humans and animals have depended directly on research, including research using experimental animals. Scientists do recognize that there is a scientific and an ethical responsibility for the humane care and use of animals used in research and education. The intent of research is to provide data that will advance knowledge and provide immediate or potential benefits to humans and animals.

Proper care and humane treatment of animals used in research and education is based on knowledge of the husbandry needs of each species and the special requirements of research and teaching. An investigator has the obligation and freedom to plan and conduct animal experiments in accord with scientific principles and policies for the humane care and use of animals in research and teaching in as further described in federal and state laws and University of Wisconsin System regulations.

Why Is There An Animal Program?

• Legally Required
• Necessary for Grants
• Provides for Consistent Quality Animal Care thereby Ensuring the Use of Healthy Animals to Provide for Good Scientific Data
• Provides for the Humane Treatment of Animals
• Promotes Public Image

What Can the Animal Care Program Do for You?

• Provide the best animal care possible in a consistent manner to ensure that you have healthy animals to provide reliable data
• Assist you in completing protocols and deciding when they are needed
• Provide veterinary care including preventative medicine, treatment of sick/injured animals, surgical assistance, post-operative care/pain management, euthanasia
• Provide training that covers areas including husbandry, surgery, anesthesia, safety issues, equipment use, etc.
• Help ensure the health and safety of personnel
• Keep you up to date with current techniques and equipment
• Provide a favorable and consistent environment for the animals to help reduce variables
• Serve as a resource to ensure regulatory compliance for funding and publications
• Assist with animal procurement and transport

Updated November 13, 2006 by SAK