Care and Use of Animals for Research and Instruction

The IACUC, a federally mandated committee, is charged with oversight of all aspects of the institution’s animal care and use program, facilities and procedures. The regulations of the AWA and PHS require institutions using animals for research or teaching to appoint an IACUC. IACUC members are appointed by the Institutional Official and include scientists, non-scientists, veterinarians and representatives from the community. The regulatory charges of the IACUC include, but are not limited to:

• Overseeing the use of vertebrate animals for research and teaching
• Establishing policies for ethical animal use and ensuring that such use is compliant with federal, state and local regulations
• Reviewing all animal use protocols and modifications requesting approval for the use of vertebrate animals
• While animal welfare is the responsibility of every individual working with animals at TXST, the IACUC is mandated to investigate and ensure correction of all reported animal welfare concerns and report any animal welfare issues to the Institutional Official and the regulatory agencies as required
• Overseeing animal husbandry and veterinary care provided to animals on the TXST campus
• Overseeing training of faculty, students and staff on the use of experimental animals
• Inspecting all areas where animals are housed and used on a regular basis
• Reviewing the institution’s program for animal care and use at least twice a year (semiannually)
• Performing post-approval monitoring of approved animal use protocols and modifications