ARC POLICY UPDATE

The ARC recently revised the Policy, Social Housing, to detail alternative means by which DLAM may assist PIs in tracking single housing arrangements. See the Social Housing web page at the ARC website. We encourage you to review the revised Policy with your research team. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 310-206-6308 or arc@research.ucla.edu if you have any … Read More

Support and Training for Animal Research Staff (STARS) Program

The Chancellor’s Animal Research Committee (ARC) and Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DLAM) are pleased to announce the launch of the Support and Training for Animal Research Staff (STARS) Program. This voluntary, self-referral program will provide laboratory personnel with collaborative, team-oriented support on the following topics: ARC inspections Administrative processes (e.g., record-keeping) Protocols and RATS Surgical procedures (e.g., aseptic technique, … Read More

Treatment and Use of Animals Under Expired Protocols

The USDA Animal Welfare Act Regulations (AWARs) and the Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy) stipulate that the ARC must conduct continuing reviews of previously approved research activities.

ARC POLICY UPDATE

The ARC recently revised the Policy, Treatment and Use of Animals under Expired Protocols. Revisions to the Policy include automatic transfer of animals to the DLAM holding protocol if a lapse in approval occurs while experiments are under way. The revised Policy also clarifies that permission must be obtained from the relevant grant program officer in order to use federal … Read More

Maintaining Animals in Study Areas

The US Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training, Principle VII states that “the living conditions of animals should be appropriate for their species and contribute to their health and comfort. Normally, the housing, feeding, and care of all animals used for biomedical purposes must be directed by a veterinarian or other scientist trained and experienced in the proper care, handling, and use of the species being maintained or studied.” In accordance with this principle, the USDA AWARs and the Guide set standards that are mandatory for the environment, housing, and management of laboratory animals; these documents form the basis for ARC evaluation of DLAM-managed animal facilities and investigator-maintained study areas.

Grants & Awards

The concept of the three Rs was originally described in the book, The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique (1959), by Russell and Burch. The 3Rs are reduction in the number of animals used, refinement of techniques and procedures to reduce pain or distress, and replacement of animals with non-animal techniques or use of less-sentient species. Intent of Grant: The aim of the program is to promote and support pilot studies designed to investigate refinement of methods, and/or reduction and replacement of animals.

Breeding Colony Management

Basis: Recommendations for housing laboratory rodents are based on the 2010 edition of the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide, pp. 56-58).