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Semiannual Inspection Policy (IACUC)

Last updated on January 3, 2023 4 min read Semiannual Inspection Policy (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) requirements and process for conducting semiannual inspections.  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

Regulatory Requirements

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and associated regulations and Public Health Service (PHS) Policy require IACUCs to inspect an institution’s animal facilities at least once every six months. This includes areas where United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-regulated species are maintained for >12 hours, satellite facilities where non-USDA regulated species are maintained for >24 hours, transport vehicles, and areas where surgical manipulations (minor, major, survival, or non-survival) are performed.

Areas containing free-living wild animals in their natural habitat (field study sites) are exempt from semiannual inspections; however, IACUCs should be apprised of the circumstances under which studies are conducted so that they can consider risks to personnel and impact on study subjects.

The following flexibilities are provided in the PHS Policy & AWA and regulations:

The timing of facility inspections may extend up to 30 days beyond the six-month interval from the last review, as long as there is no forward drift of the date from year to year.

The IACUC has discretion to determine the best means of conducting the facility inspections. This includes using qualified individuals (i.e., IACUC members, IACUC Staff, or BU ASC veterinarians) and appropriate ad hoc consultants.

For areas housing non-USDA regulated species, the IACUC may use as few as one qualified individual to conduct the inspections.

For areas housing USDA-regulated species, the IACUC must use subcommittees of at least two Committee members but may invite ad hoc consultants to assist in the inspections.

No Committee member wishing to participate in IACUC inspections may be excluded. The IACUC remains responsible for the inspections and semiannual reports to the Institutional Official.

Protocol Requirements

The use and/or housing of animals outside the centralized animal facility must be described and justified in an approved IACUC protocol, including any amendments. The IACUC office will verify which of the review methods below is required.

If a location needs to be added and it is already included in the current animal program, then it can be administratively approved. If a location needs to be added that is not included in the current animal program, it must be approved by a valid IACUC review method (DMR or FCR).

IACUC Inspection Process

Housing – centralized animal facilities and satellite locations

Every facility in which USDA-regulated animals are housed for more than 12 hours will be inspected twice a year, 6 months apart, by at least 2 members of the IACUC.

Every facility in which non-USDA regulated animals are housed for more than 24 hours must be inspected twice a year, 6 months apart, by at least 1 member of the IACUC or a qualified individual on behalf of the IACUC (i.e. IACUC Staff or BU ASC veterinarians).

Transportation vehicles

Vehicles used to transport USDA-regulated animals are subject to the same inspection requirements as animal facilities. They will be inspected at least semiannually by at least 2 members of the IACUC.

For non-USDA regulated animals, vehicles will be inspected by at least 1 member of the IACUC or a qualified individual on behalf of the IACUC at least semiannually.

Surgery – minor, major, survival, or non-survival

Every location in which animals are used in surgical procedures must be inspected twice a year, 6 months apart, by at least 1 member of the IACUC or a qualified individual (defined above) on behalf of the IACUC.

Note: NEW housing and surgical locations that are not already included in the current animal program require IACUC approval and inspection prior to use.

Other activities

Areas utilized for other activities (such as routine weighing, dosing, immunization, imaging, euthanasia/tissue harvest, etc.) will be inspected on a regular basis, typically during semiannual inspections. However, if necessary, these areas may be evaluated at additional times by a qualified individual on behalf of the IACUC.

Areas that are not located on BU campuses and do not have regulated species activity may undergo alternative means of conducting semiannual inspections (e.g., written questionnaires, video chats, etc.) in place of in-person inspections.

Additional Institutional Regulatory Group Involvement

During IACUC inspections, committee members may note potential issues that fall under the purview of other institutional regulatory groups or offices, such as Environmental Health & Safety, including Laboratory Safety, Biosafety, Radiation Safety, Chemical Safety, and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), etc.  If this occurs, the information will be communicated to the appropriate party/parties outside of the IACUC Inspection Report. This communication is advisory only and does not confer responsibility on the IACUC.

History

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

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