Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee  

The Northern Arizona University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees the university and its staff and ensures compliance with federal regulations regarding use of animals in research or education.

These regulations include the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Welfare Act and Regulations (AWA), the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Public Health Services Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Northern Arizona University IACUC Policy Manual, Biological Sciences Annex (BSA) Policy and Procedures Manual, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

The IACUC is concerned with portions of these laws and regulations that ensure that:

  • the number of animals used is reasonable to, when applicable, generate statistically significant results
  • research using animals does not unnecessarily duplicate previous research
  • animal distress is minimized, and that animal users have contingency plans for unexpected animal injuries or death
  • animal holding facilities and procedural areas are inspected twice a year
  • risk to humans from contact with animals is minimized

To meet these goals, the IACUC requires Northern Arizona University personnel using animals to meet two obligations:

  • obtain IACUC approval for working with animals via an animal use protocol
  • certify that all animal users have undergone appropriate training regarding the regulatory and welfare issues involved in animal use and to become proficient in any animal-related procedures

Please note that “animal use” includes capture and observation of animals in field classes, research in Northern Arizona University labs, research in off-campus labs by Northern Arizona University personnel, and field research that involves animals.

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