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Research With Animals
Welcome
Texas A&M University has established two IACUC committees (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) that meet all federal requirements, as defined in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Public Health Service Policy (PHS) and the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The IACUC is responsible for the oversight, evaluation and assurance of compliance for the institution’s animal care and use program and system components as outlines in the PHS Assurance (TAMU, TALR), AWA and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. System components include the College Station and Galveston campuses, TAES, HSC-COM and TEES.
Additionally, clinical research conducted in the College of Veterinary Medicine using client owned animals must be approved by the Clinical Research Review Committee (CRRC).
IACUC Responsibilities
The committee’s basic functions include:
- Inspection of animal facilities and evaluation of animal care and use programs
- Review and approval of proposed use of animals in research, testing, or teaching
- Establishment of a mechanism for receipt and review of concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution
- Submission of reports to the responsible institutional officials
Use of Animals
The use of animals is defined as vertebrate animals used for research, testing, and teaching. This includes:
- All live vertebrates
- Animal tissue, blood and sera*
- Animal carcasses*
- Field studies that disturb the natural habitat of the animal
Prior to the initiation of animal work, the investigator must submit an Animal Use Protocol (AUP) to be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
Obtaining Approval for Animal Use