- Animal experimentation is a crucial component of scientific research and education. Most advances in modern biomedical science can be traced back to original, critical studies in animals. It is recognized that useful tools such as computer modeling techiques, cell tissue, or organ culture methodology have been developed which have contributed in part to ta reduction in the number of animals used in biomedical research and in teaching in recent years. However, because of the inherent complexity of biological systems functioning in either health or disease, such tools currently serve primarily as adjunctive aids to the investigational process, and are not yet substitutes for the study of living animal. In addition, because of ethical considerations, in many instances living systems cannot be studies in the required depth in living human subjects. Therefore, animal based experiments will continue to be essential for a considerable period in order to solve existing health problems and to provide for high quality biomedical educational experiences.
- The use of animals subjects and educational activities is governed by professional standards of ethical conduct as well as by federal and state regulations which reflect the general concerns of society.
- Federal and state statutes as well as the Publich Health Service Animal Welfare Policy requires that all research institutions establish an Institutional Animal Care and use Committee (IACUC). Under tese regulatory mandates the IACUC is charged with the responsibility and authority for oversight of the proper care and use of all laboratory animals.
- The IACUC employs the use of Animal Welfare Regulations CFR, Title 9, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, Parts 1, 2 and 3 along with The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals to assure the University policy and Assurance to the Office for Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW).
The University's Animal Care Program and Animal Resources Center are fully accedited by the Association for Assessment and Accrediation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International, a voluntary peer review processs. AAALAC accreditation, as the gold standard in animal care, is confirmation to all external organizations, including funding bodies and governmental authorities, that the animal care program is conforming to interationally accepted standards.
