Ever since its establishment by USDA regulation in the mid-1980s, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee has evolved as the premier instrument of animal welfare oversight within research institutions in the U.S. Its mission, in part, is to ensure that investigators, research technicians, animal care personnel and others are adequately trained to conduct research with animals in a proper and humane manner. But equally important is that the IACUC itself be adequately trained with regard to the successful ...
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Ever since its establishment by USDA regulation in the mid-1980s, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee has evolved as the premier instrument of animal welfare oversight within research institutions in the U.S. Its mission, in part, is to ensure that investigators, research technicians, animal care personnel and others are adequately trained to conduct research with animals in a proper and humane manner. But equally important is that the IACUC itself be adequately trained with regard to the successful interpretation and implementation of regulations and guidelines for proper animal care and use. The IACUC Handbook focuses on both basic and advanced concerns of those who participate in activities of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees. Exhaustive in its content and written by leading authorities in the field, this handbook addresses those questions and problems that often confront IACUCs, and gives accurate, succinct answers. Information is provided in "Question and Answer" format, with the authors offering their personal opinions against a background of regulatory information. Under the "regulatory " heading, pertinent sections from such sources as the Animal Welfare Act and its regulations, the Health Research Extension Act of 1985, the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and others are included. The handbook also provides the personal opinions of chapter authors and results from informal surveys as examples of the approaches institutions have taken to solve complex issues. While not scientific, the surveys provide the reader with additional opinions. With the role and impact of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee expected to grow in scope and complexity, The IACUC Handbook provides a foundation for those attempting to understand and implement the many and varied responsibilities of this committee.
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