Review of Field Investigations of Live Vertebrate Animals (IACUC)

Purpose

Boston University (BU) is committed to observing Federal policies and regulations and the Association of Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International standards for the humane care and use of animals. The intent of this policy is to describe the BU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) review process for field investigations involving the use of live vertebrate animals.  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 research, teaching, training, breeding, and related activities, hereinafter referred to collectively as “activities”, involving live vertebrate animals conducted at or under the auspices of Boston University.

University Policy

Prior to conducting a field investigation (also known and referred to as field studies) the Principal Investigator (PI) must either submit an animal use protocol and receive IACUC approval or submit an Exemption Request Form and receive an exempt determination letter from the Animal Welfare Program (AWP).

BU IACUC review and approval is required when the activity: a) alters or influences the biology, behavior, or ecology of the study animals or other species[i]; b) involves invasive procedures[ii]; or c) harms or materially alters the behavior of an animal[iii].  Field investigations that require IACUC review and approval are reviewed in accordance with the IACUC’s policy on the Review and Approval of Materials Submitted to the IACUC.

For activities that do not alter or influence the biology, behavior, or ecology of the animals such as observation, photographing or collection of feces, an Exemption Request Form must be submitted and reviewed by the AWP to determine if the activities are exempt from IACUC review. Exemption requests are reviewed by the AWP in consultation with the Attending Veterinarian (AV), Research and Occupational Health Program (ROHP), Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), as applicable. If it is determined that the proposed activities do not require IACUC approval an exemption letter will be provided to the PI.

The PI must obtain IACUC approval or an exemption letter prior to engaging in the proposed activities. Once approval or an exemption letter has been provided, the PI is responsible for submitting an updated protocol or exemption request to the AWP regarding any planned changes prior to implementation.

If a field investigation has been reviewed and approved by another institution’s IACUC (or comparable ethics committee), BU IACUC review and approval may not be required; however, such reliance on another institution’s IACUC must be reviewed by the AWP and documented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). In these cases, other institutional requirements may still apply (e.g., ROHP clearance; Institutional Biosafety Committee approval; Export Control license).

Principal Investigators (PIs) are responsible for being knowledgeable about and complying with all institutional policies and applicable local, state, federal and international laws and regulations. It is the responsibility of the PI to obtain all necessary permits prior to the start of research and to include relevant permit information within the IACUC protocol or exemption request. Copies of the permits should be made available upon request of the IACUC.

Preparation of Submission Materials

Prior to submission of an animal use protocol or an exemption request, PI’s are strongly encouraged to consult the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals[iv] (the Guide),relevant professional societies and available guidelines (see Appendix A of the Guide), and should reference such consultation in their submission.

When species are to be removed from the wild or if the study involves capture, individual identification, sedation, anesthesia, surgery, recovery or holding, veterinary consultation must be sought for input prior to submission. PI’s are also strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified wildlife biologist prior to submission and should also reference such consultation in their submission.

Responsible Parties

The Animal Welfare Program and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee are responsible for overseeing implementation of and ensuring compliance with this policy.

Defined Terms

Field Investigation: The observation or use of live nondomesticated vertebrate species under field conditions.

Zoonoses: Diseases that can be passed from animals to humans.

History

Effective Date: 01/03/2023
Next Review Date: 01/02/2026

[i] Frequently Asked Questions, PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, A. Applicability of the PHS Policy, #6

[ii] 2.31 (d) (1) 9 C.F.R. Parts 1-4

[iii] 2.31 (d) (1) 9 C.F.R. Parts 1-4

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

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