Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee

(revised, 30 September, 2009)

First passed in 1966 as Public Law-89-544, the most recent amendment of the Animal Welfare Act (Public Law 99-198, Food Security Act) strengthened existing standards for proper laboratory animal care. It also included provisions for increased enforcement of the requirements outlined in the Act, mandated training for laboratory personnel, and provided for mechanisms to disseminate information about animal experiments. This latter provision was included to reduce unnecessary duplication of experiments. Requirements were included that deal with such issues as the need to explicitly consider alternative techniques, provide an enhanced physical environment to increase physical and psychological well-being, and the development of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs).

The IACUC should consist of at least three members, including one not affiliated with the research facility and/or school and a doctor of veterinary medicine. The committee inspects as research facilities at least once every six months and reviews all proposals for research involving the use of animals. As part of the proposal review process, the committee evaluates procedures for pain and distress, proper use of analgesics and anesthetics, and the proper use of euthanasia if needed. In addition, the IACUC is charged with the responsibility to make sure that all procedures are carried out by qualified personnel and that alternatives have been seriously considered. Lastly, the IACUC is required to provide appropriate training for all personnel in the humane practice of animal maintenance and experimentation, appropriate testing and research methodology, and proper facility maintenance.

An IACUC can be either accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC; see below) or nonaccredited. Nonaccredited institutions should provide a plan for meeting AAALAC accreditation standards. According to AAALAC guidelines, the IACUC should include a minimum of at least five members including a director, a veterinarian, a non-life scientist such as a physicist, and a member not affiliated with the institution. Typically, the latter member represents community animal welfare concerns.

AAALAC is composed of an 18-member board representing 32 professional organizations. The on-site peer review process involves continual change. Primarily, this is the result of continued research in the field of laboratory animal health and science. Accreditation information can be found in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Research Council, 1996). A candidate institution must prepare a report outlining the facilities, programs, and IACUC before the on-site visit. A probationary period to address AAALAC recommendations is permissible. After achieving AAALAC accreditation, the institution submits an annual report based on the Guide and provides census data about animal use.

The Federal regulations (i.e., the Animal Welfare Act) require serious consideration of alternatives to the research and/or testing methods. This is especially true if the protocol includes a procedure that produces pain and/ or distress in the subjects. Unnecessary research should not be duplicated. Alternative techniques are discussed in considerable detail at the Animal Welfare Center of the National Agricultural Library. This agency also acts as a repository for research that involves the use of animals and, thus, is a valuable resource.

The basic goal as defined by the Act is the so-called "Three R's" — Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Replacement means considering insentient material instead of conscious living organisms. Typically, this involves the use of tissue cultures or nonrecovery techniques. Reduction refers to reducing the number of animals in the experiment. This can be accomplished through the use of more sophisticated statistical designs, such as repeated measures or mixed designs. Lastly, Refinement refers to reducing the need for or severity of invasive procedures. The goal is to reduce pain and distress. The goals under this "R" include decreases in invasiveness, use of improved instrumentation, better techniques, and a greater control over the level of pain experienced by the animals.

A Brief Overview of Laboratory Rat Diseases

Rats are a hardly species and capable of withstanding many environmental insults. Even so, they are susceptible to certain diseases. As I noted earlier, low relative humidity can produce ringtail. This is particular true during the winter months when the heating system is in operation. The primary symptom of ringtail is an annular constriction of the tail. Parasites, particularly lice are also a problem. Like us, if infested with lice, the rats will spend their time scratching. Ectocide powder is effective. Rid Ex, available over the counter in most department stores is also effective. Middle ear disease is a troublesome problem sometimes seen in rats. Symptoms of this disease are a tilted head and an inability to run in a straight line. Unfortunately, there is no cure, so affected animals should be removed from the colony and euthanized. One problem that crops up from time to time in colonies is chronic respiratory disease. Symptoms of this disease include a nasal discharge and watery eyes, weight loss, and wheezing. Chronic respiratory disease is progressive. While it may be preventable with the use of antibiotics, it is usually a good idea to remove infected animals immediately and euthanize them.

Allergic Reactions to Rodents. It is a fact of life--some people are allergic to rats. this should not seem too surprising since they are furry animals, just like cats and dogs. Many do have some symptoms that reflect an allergy to rats. Luckily, the symptoms are not serious. Among the allergic responses that have been reported, are rashes after contact with the rat's toenails or tail and brochial asthma. Severe conjunctivitis after contact with rat urine has been reported. In extreme cases, allergies have led to anaphylactic shock. Allergic reactions to laboratory animals have caused technicians to change professions and researchers to choose a new research direction. My former major professor developed such an acute allergy to rat dander that he ceased all research with rodents. If you are allergic, don't dispair. Face masks, allergy treatments, and antihistamines are sometimes quite helpful.

Rat Bites. If you work long enough with rats, you will receive a bite. Laboratory rats are not vicious but will bite if handled improperly and sometimes when they are food deprived. Certain lesions also increase aggression. One thing you must remember. Bite wounds, regardless of species (including humans) must be cleaned thoroughly and an antibiotic ointment applied to the area of the wound. You should also receive a tentanus booster shot before working with rats. If your tentanus shot is not current, get one now!

Other Concerns...  For a good discussion of disease concerns, consult Percy and Barthold (1993) or the many resources available on the "PBA IACUC Animal-Related Links of Interest page."

Rat Bite Fever. Rat bite fever is the most commonly reported zoonosis from laborary rats. Luckily, it is rare but should be considered. Most cases of rat bite fever are caused by the bacteria Spirillum minus and Streptobacillus moniliformis, with most cases resulting from the latter bacterium. Death has been reported but antibiotics work quite well. If symptoms develop after a rat bite, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms you need to watch out for are fever, chills, a rash, a sore throat, and arthritis-like symptoms. Complications can include endocarditis and pericarditis. However, when you consider how many laboratory researchers and technicians are bitten each year, the incidence of rat bite fever is extremely low!

Salmonella. Salmonella can be a problem in laboratory rats and, thus, a potential hazard to laboratory workers. As far as I know, no cases of rat to human transmission from laboratory rats has been reported.

Rabies. Rabies is fairly rare in rodents. It is extremely unlikely that a human can develop rabies as the result of a bite from a laboratory animal. Thus, the antirabies treatment is not indicated unless it is first confirmed in the offending animal.

• Bennett, B. T., Brown, M. J., & Schofield, J. C. (1990). Essentials for animal research: A primer. Available: The American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine.Melby, Jr., E. C., & Altman, N. H. (Eds.). (1974). Handbook of laboratory animal science. New York: Academic Press.

• National Academy Press (1996). Guide for the care and use of laboratory animals. Washington, DC: Author.

• Percy, D. H., & Barthold, S. W. (1993). Pathology of laboratory rodents and rabbits. Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press.

• Public Law 99-198 (1986).  Code of Federal Regulations, Title 9, Subchapter A, Animal Welfare.

• Universities Federation of Animal Welfare (1987). The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Handbook on the care and management of laboratory animals (6th ed.). New York: Churchhill Livingstone.
  
  

© 2009 Faculty, Students, & Staff of Palm Beach Atlantic University
& David M. Compton, Ph.D.
Last updated: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Comments or suggestions, please contact David M. Compton