IACUC Resources

USDA Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Care, a Unit within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) enforces the AWA.

The Animal Care Policy Manual further clarifies the intent of the Animal Welfare Act, and includes the USDA’s interpretative rules on several issues including veterinary care, survival surgery, and searches for alternatives to animals.

The PHS Policy implements the Health Research Extension Act of 1985. This law established guidelines for the proper care and treatment of animals to be used in research including the organization and operation of animal care commiteees.

The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) implements the PHS Policy.

The PHS Policy endorses the U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training

The PHS Policy requires that euthanasia be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals

The “Guide” is designed to assist institutions in caring for and using animals in ways judged to be scientifically, technically, and humanely appropriate. The PHS Policy mandates that institutions use the Guide as a basis for developing and implementing their animal care and use program.

Appendix A of the Guide includes additional selected references organized by subject matter including species-specific references.

The Guidelines for the Use of Fishes in Research was written by the American Fisheries Society to guide researchers in the proper care and treatment of fish.

The Guidelines for the Use of Live Amphibians and Reptiles was written by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists to guide researchers in the proper care and treatment of amphibians and reptiles.

The Guidelines for the Capture, Handling, and Care of Mammals was written by the American Society of Mammalogists to guide field researchers in mammalogy.

Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals provides information to guide researchers in the proper methods to reduce occupational risk and exposure, in the use of research animals.