Institutional Policies for Agricultural Animal Care and Use in Research

What is the primary guide for the care and use of agricultural animals in research and teaching?

The Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching (the Ag Guide)

What must scientists and veterinarians assume responsibility for in agricultural animal research?

Animal welfare and the rigor and integrity of research and instruction.

Which act governs the use of animals for research in the United States?

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA, 1990)

What European directive applies to the protection of vertebrate animals used for scientific purposes?

The European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes (ETS123)

What is a critical component of an effective institutional program for animal care?

Clearly established lines of authority and responsibility.

What committee is responsible for monitoring the care and use of agricultural animals?

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

What qualifications should members of the IACUC possess?

Experience or training to evaluate agricultural animal research programs.

What is the minimum number of members required for the IACUC?

Five members.

What is one of the IACUC's responsibilities regarding protocols?

Review and approve or disapprove protocols related to agricultural animal care.

How often should the IACUC conduct inspections of animal facilities?

At least semi-annually.

What action can the IACUC take if activities involving agricultural animals are not compliant?

Suspend those activities.

What is the purpose of the Animal Use Protocol (AUP)?

To describe the activities involving the care and use of animals in research or teaching.

How often must approved AUPs be reviewed and renewed?

At least once every 3 years.

What is one topic that should be considered in the preparation of animal care protocols?

Objectives and significance of the research or teaching activity.

What should institutions ensure regarding animal care and use programs?

Compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.

What type of representation should the public member of the IACUC provide?

Representation for general community interests in the proper care and treatment of animals.

What is one function of the IACUC related to noncompliance?

Investigate reports of noncompliance or animal care concerns.

What is the role of the chief executive officer regarding the IACUC?

To appoint the IACUC to monitor the care and use of agricultural animals.

What is a significant aspect of the IACUC's meetings?

They can utilize electronic technology for remote meetings.

What should the IACUC do to facilitate animal care while working with investigators?

Resolve issues while ensuring animal care.

What is the purpose of the written report provided by the IACUC to the institutional official?

To report on the institution's compliance with the animal care guide.

What is the significance of the Ag Guide in relation to agricultural animal care?

It guides the development of institutional policies and programs for animal care.

What is one of the key elements of an animal care program mentioned in the text?

An adequate program of veterinary care.

What does the IACUC need to ensure regarding the use of agricultural animals?

That it is humane, appropriate, and in accordance with the guide.

What is a potential outcome of the IACUC's review of an AUP?

Approval, modification pending, or denial of the protocol.

What is the importance of training and occupational health programs in animal care?

To ensure the safety and well-being of individuals working with animals.

What should institutions develop to support animal care and use?

Policies and procedures that facilitate humane and appropriate use of animals.

What is the importance of hands-on training involving animals in agricultural research?

It is an important component of agricultural research and teaching.

What should be justified regarding the species and strain of animals used in research?

The justification for the species and strain of animal used, the number of animals used, and the procedures that may cause discomfort, distress, or pain.

What are endpoint criteria in animal research?

Criteria and process for timely intervention, removal of animals from a study, or euthanasia if painful and stressful outcomes are anticipated.

What is required for unusual husbandry practices in research?

Describing a procedure as a 'standard farm operating practice' is acceptable if the institution's written operating procedure is being used.

What must be reviewed and approved by the IACUC?

All operating procedures that have the potential to cause pain or distress in animal care and husbandry.

What is the role of the IACUC in animal research?

To review and approve animal use protocols and ensure humane care and use of animals.

What should written operating procedures sustain?

The long-term welfare of the animal and the animal handlers.

What guidelines should euthanasia methods follow?

American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines.

What is essential for maintaining biosecurity in agricultural animal care?

A high standard of biosecurity to protect animals from pathogenic organisms.

What qualifications should individuals caring for agricultural animals have?

They should be qualified through training or experience.

What should training programs for animal care staff include?

Information about humane care, husbandry needs, proper handling, surgical procedures, and methods to minimize pain and distress.

What is the purpose of the Animal Welfare Information Center?

To provide information services related to animal welfare.

What is required for employees providing routine animal care?

Participation in regular in-service education and training relevant to their responsibilities.

What types of training opportunities should be available to animal care staff?

Formal or on-the-job training opportunities relevant to their responsibilities.

What should be maintained for all agricultural animals used in research?

Adequate health care and records.

What is the responsibility of institutions regarding animal care and use policies?

To develop policies related to research conducted off-site and using privately owned animals.

What should be explicitly stated in the Animal Use Protocol (AUP)?

Any exceptions to the guide that are justified to obtain new knowledge or demonstrate commonly used methods.

What is the significance of peer review in animal research?

It ensures the merit of proposed research and teaching activities.

What must be filed in the appropriate administrative office regarding animal care procedures?

Written procedures for animal care and husbandry.

What should be revised as changes occur in the industry?

Husbandry procedures and production methods at agricultural research facilities.

What is the role of the IACUC in relation to peer review?

To thoughtfully review animal use, even if peer review has occurred.

What is the common acceptance in animal agriculture regarding production systems?

It does not reduce the responsibility of animal users to follow applicable laws and regulations.

What should be considered when conducting research dealing with infectious diseases?

Special facilities may be required.

What is the goal of training programs for agricultural animal care staff?

To provide knowledge from a broad range of disciplines relevant to animal care.

What should be included in the training program for animal care staff?

Information from experts in animal husbandry, behavior, nutrition, and veterinary medicine.

What organization certifies animal scientists in the biology and production of agricultural animals?

The American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS)

What must an occupational health and safety program for agricultural animal workers comply with?

Federal, state, and local regulations

What factors should be considered in assessing risk for agricultural animal workers?

Hazards posed by animals and materials, duration, frequency, intensity of exposure, susceptibility of personnel, and history of occupational injury and illness.

What is a key component of an occupational health program for agricultural animal workers?

Periodic medical evaluations for identified job categories

What should be included in an educational component of an occupational health program?

Information about agricultural animal diseases, zoonotic diseases, physical hazards, and personal hygiene.

How often should personnel working with animals be immunized against tetanus?

Every 10 years

What should be provided to individuals with known allergies in animal care?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce allergen exposure.

What is a common health hazard for individuals working with animals?

Physical injuries from animal handling.

What should institutions do to minimize physical injuries in animal care?

Provide training in proper animal handling, lifting, and equipment use.

What type of assessments are recommended for animal care areas?

Air quality assessments

What should be done when personnel are exposed to high noise levels in animal facilities?

Implement appropriate protection programs.

What guidelines govern the use of hazardous materials in animal research?

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

What is the difference between genetic engineering and traditional breeding?

Genetic engineering involves direct manipulation of genes, while traditional breeding is indirect.

What are genetically engineered (GE) and gene-edited (GEd) animals subject to?

The same general standards of care as conventional animals unless special conditions apply.

What technologies are used in gene editing?

Programmable nucleases such as TALENS and CRISPR/Cas9.

What should be documented for animals with specific genetic backgrounds?

Their special requirements for comfort and care.

What is the purpose of the BIO Guidance in animal biotechnology?

To provide information for the development and implementation of stewardship programs for GE animals.

What is a serious risk associated with zoonoses in animal care?

Contact with animals, their waste products, or tissues.

What should be done if a zoonosis occurs among personnel?

Notify the supervisor.

What type of records should be maintained under an occupational health program?

Records of individual work assignments and injuries or unusual illnesses.

What should be provided for caretakers working in closed buildings with animals?

Respirators or dust masks.

What is the role of health and safety specialists in occupational health programs?

To assess risks and determine necessary precautions.

What should be included in the assessment of workspaces for agricultural animal workers?

Protection from health hazards.

What is the significance of the Merck Veterinary Manual in relation to zoonotic diseases?

It provides information on common zoonotic diseases in agricultural animals.

What should be done for cases of animal bites and scratches?

Document and provide appropriate medical care.

What is the purpose of having a physical examination before job placement in animal care?

To assess the health of individuals who will work with agricultural animals.

What is a potential consequence of respiratory problems for caretakers in animal facilities?

Chronic and irreversible lung damage.

What should be done to ensure the safety of personnel exposed to hazardous materials?

Ensure staff members are qualified to assess dangers and select appropriate safeguards.