Satellite Housing in Lab Policy (IACUC)

Introduction

Boston University (BU) is committed to observing Federal, State, and local policies and regulations, as well as the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International standards for the humane care and use of animals.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide standardized requirements for authorizing satellite animal housing facilities whether operated by an investigator or by the Boston University Animal Science Center (BU ASC). Adherence to this policy is mandatory unless a specific exception has been approved by the IACUC.

Covered Parties

This policy is applicable to all persons responsible for conducting approved animal research, teaching, training, breeding, and related activities, hereinafter referred to collectively as “activities,” involving live vertebrate animals at or under the auspices of Boston University.

Policy

It is the general policy of the Boston University IACUC to centralize animal facilities as much as possible. Satellite animal facilities will be approved only where there is rigorous scientific justification for the exception, and the appropriate environment, housing, care and oversight can be provided as required by all applicable law and current BU policies.  All satellite facilities at the University must be approved by the BU IACUC and fall under the jurisdiction of the BU ASC. Because a satellite facility is outside the ASC Facilities, it is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator (“PI”) to ensure that all federal regulations, as well as all BU Standard Operating Procedures (“SOPs”) for care and use of the animals are carried out.

As required by the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (8th Ed.), satellite animal facilities at BU shall adhere to the following:

1. Use of a satellite animal facility will be allowed only when there is either insufficient animal holding space in the ASC or there is a demonstrated need to house animals immediately adjacent to research laboratories for scientific purposes when research space or capabilities are not available in the ASC. Convenience of proximity or cost savings are not considered a demonstrated need.
2. The Attending Veterinarian and the IACUC must be involved early in the evaluation, design, building, or renovation of a satellite animal facility. Final approval of the space is at the discretion of the IACUC and the Attending Veterinarian.
3. A satellite animal facility must have all functional and support spaces required for optimum animal care and use; refer to Appendix I for environmental and monitoring requirements. Veterinary staff must have entry access to the satellite facility at all times. If surgery is planned, appropriate space and equipment must be provided (refer to BU Policy “Surgery: Rodent”).
4. The Attending Veterinarian and IACUC will review the plans and needs for a satellite animal facility and render final approval. The use of a satellite facility must be described in an approved IACUC protocol and shall include an SOP describing the roles and responsibilities and responsible parties for carrying out those tasks. Physical facility inspection by the IACUC is required before approval.
5. The animal care and use program conducted in a satellite animal facility is a part of the BU Program of Veterinary Care. It will be overseen by the IACUC and the Attending Veterinarian.  It must adhere to IACUC policies and review procedures, including semi-annual inspections.
6. If a satellite facility is part of the University (i.e. if the animals are owned by the University) or if the facility is shared by both University and non-University users, it must be part of the AAALAC accreditation program. It will be the financial responsibility of the satellite users to maintain the facility in an accreditable condition. ASC may provide services to satellites on a fee-for-service basis; if needed, inquire with ASC.
7. Adequate security measures for the facility must be developed and implemented in conjunction with BU security personnel and the ASC.
8. If this policy is not followed, use of a satellite animal facility is subject to immediate termination by the IACUC or the Attending Veterinarian.
9. The voluntary stoppage of use of a satellite facility must be submitted in writing to the IACUC by the PI. The return of animals to the ASC must be done in consultation with the Attending Veterinarian.

Responsible Parties

• The BU IACUC is responsible for the oversight and evaluation of the animal care and use program and its components.
• The IACUC and the Attending Veterinarian are responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy.
• Principal Investigator (“PI”) is responsible for ensuring that all regulations and all BU Policies for care and use of the animals are carried out.

Definitions

Satellite animal facility: means an animal holding area outside of the ASC where animals are held for more than 12 continuous hours for USDA regulated animals and more than 24 continuous hours for non-USDA regulated animals.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (“IACUC”): means the committee that is responsible for oversight and evaluation of the entire Animal Care and Use Program and its components as described in other sections of The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Eighth Edition. Its oversight functions include review and approval of proposed animal use (protocol review) and of proposed significant changes to animal use; regular inspection of facilities and animal use areas; regular review of the Program; ongoing assessment of animal care and use; and establishment of a mechanism for receipt and review of concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution.

Boston University Animal Science Center (“BU ASC”): means the animal facility that oversees veterinary medical care and animal care services at BU, and actively participates in all facility design. Day-to-day care of animals and technical assistance are provided by animal caretakers.

References

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Eighth Edition

PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations

History

Effective Date: 10/01/2024
Next Review Date: 09/30/2027

Appendix I

Environmental and health monitoring of rodents¹ housed in a satellite facility²

¹ For aquatics, the ventilation specifications are equivalent to a laboratory space.  The water quality rather than the air quality must satisfy the animals living requirement for temperature and microenvironment.  Tanks would replace the requirements for cages.  In addition, an adequate floor drain and electrical outlets with GFI circuits are required.

² Satellite facilities are a part of the Program of Veterinary Care and must meet all requirements of the program including but not limited to those items listed here.

³All materials must be handled in accordance with approved protocols.