Office of Research Integrity

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

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VERTEBRATE ANIMAL USE AT UCR

The INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE (IACUC) has authority over and responsibility for all vertebrate animal use and care at UCR.  The IACUC works closely with the following units:

Office of Research Integrity - ORI administers and supports the functions of the IACUC

Office of the Campus Veterinarian - Oversees all animal facilities on campus, including animal use areas within investigator laboratories, and provides veterinary care to research animals on campus.  The Campus Veterinarian provides veterinary advice to investigators.

UCR's animal care and use program is regulated by both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Public Health Service. In addition, UCR's animal care and use program is fully accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, an independent, international organization that inspects and evaluates animal research programs and facilities.

NOTE: All vertebrate animal activities (receiving, housing, maintaining, field studies, teaching uses, and lab experiments, including "gentling" treatments and non-invasive studies) must be reviewed and approved by the IACUC PRIOR to initiation of that activity. This includes vertebrate animal activities done by other institutions under contract from UCR (e.g. contracting to have antibodies generated; or when a UC investigator is lead PI on a grant with subcontracts to other institutions).  Lack of compliance can have consequences on the publication of research data, existing grant funding, securing future funding, employment decisions or student status (depending on the situation and the status of the researcher).

Links to other pages.

 

About the IACUC

The University of California, Riverside (UCR), recognizes the scientific and ethical responsibility for the humane care and use of animals involved in research and education and enjoins all individuals involved to the highest standards of care and consideration.  UCR has established an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which is qualified through the experience and expertise of its members to oversee the institution's animal program, facilities, and procedures.  The IACUC, as agent for UCR's obligations for humane care and use of animals, shall:

  • Be constituted according to federal requirements, including the Animal Welfare Act and PHS Policy.  Members are appointed by the Vice Chancellor for Research.
  • Assure that all activities involving animals meet the ethical and legal requirements for the humane care and use of animals.
  • Maintain and promote an open and cooperative relationship with investigators and faculty, and the greater university community.
  • Educate the UCR community concerning the ethical and regulatory standards for the humane care of animals.

Functions of the UCR IACUC are:

  • Review proposed animal activities (via the AUP)
  • Set university policy regarding animal care and use.
  • Inspect all UCR animal facilities to assure compliance with federal regulations.
  • Perform semi-annual reviews of the UCR animal program.
  • File all required reports with appropriate agencies, including OLAW, USDA and AAALAC.
  • Investigate all allegations of non-compliance, providing related reports and recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for Research.

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IACUC and AUP Information for UCR Faculty

Information for UCR Faculty (animal use forms, related grant, housing and inspection information)
(Please note that a UCR NetId is required to access this site.)

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Required Training

Federal regulations require that all individuals handling vertebrate animals receive training about animal use in general, federal law regarding animal use, species specific handling, as well as in the specific procedures necessary for their experiments. UCR uses an on-line training system for the general training and has videos available through the Office of the Campus Veterinarian.   The Campus Veterinarian is available to provide hands-on training in various procedures.  Training in laboratory specific procedures must be documented by the laboratory.

Related policies / guidances:

The Animal Care and Use Training Program consists of the following:

  1. Review the specific Animal Use Protocol (AUP) for which you seek participation. See your PI.
  2. Complete the UC Riverside Animal Care and Use Training Course and exam. Send an email to iacuctraining@ucr.edu requesting an access code.  Please be sure to include all of the following in your email:
    1. your first and last name
    2. Your student ID number
    3. Your NetId
    4. The name of the PI you will be working with
    5. The protocol number (AUP#). Get from the PI.
  3. View a species related training video.
  4. Enroll in the UC Riverside Animal Occupational Health and Safety Program.
  5. Submit a completed Training Verification Form to the Office of the Campus Veterinarian.
    * Fish Lab Training Verification Form & Access Request form
    (*to be used only by Dr. Reznick's Lab in place of the verification form above.Reznick's students must turn in 3 forms: Health Form, Fish Lab Verification Form and Vivaria Access Request form. You will not be cleared unless all 3 forms are turned in)
  6. Vivarium Access Code Request. If your vivarium is Life Science/Spieth, you must request an access code to enter the Vivarium. Fill out the Vivarium Access Request form and have your PI sign it. (You do not need to fill this form out if your vivarium is Boyce East or Biomed).
  7. Meet with the Vivarium Manager for an orientation of the Vivarium you will be working in. Have the Vivarium Orientation Form signed and return it to the Vet's office.  (You are not automatically cleared when you complete this. You must wait for a clearance email from the Vet's office).

All forms and the certificate of completion from the on-line course must be turned in to the Office of Research Integrity (University Office Building, Room 216) for processing.

Simply handing in your forms is not an automatic clearance. Until you receive notice from the Office of Research Integrity, you are not allowed to enter in the vivarium or work with the animals.

Questions regarding the training process can be directed to iacuctraining@ucr.edu.

Occupational Health & Safety Program

Working with laboratory animals can present a risk to the health and well-being of research personnel in the forms of (a) zoonotic diseases (infectious agents shared by humans and animals); (b) allergies to laboratory animals, particularly rodents; and (c) bites, scratches and other injuries.  All animal users are required to participate in the Occupational Health Program (see instructions under Required Training above).  

Related policies / guidances:

Federal Links:

Accreditation:

Vertebrate Animal Care and Procedures

Links to Other Sources of Information

Contact Us

The IACUC and ORI can be contacted at iacuc@ucr.edu or 951-827-4809.