Navigator Newsletter-September 2023

Monitoring Aged Animals

As animals advance in age, there is greater risk of age-related disease such as cancer, kidney disease, or heart disease. These may present as weight loss, lethargy, inappetence, or palpable masses. It is important to monitor animals closely and with greater frequency as they advance in age in order to detect and respond to age-related morbidities.

If animals are going to be maintained at an advanced age (e.g., 18 months or older in rodents) this must be described and approved in the IACUC protocol. The protocol must describe the monitoring plan and humane endpoint criteria for aged animals.

Research groups are responsible for ensuring that animals are monitored in accordance with the IACUC protocol, and that such monitoring is documented.

Wild Caught Birds are now USDA Regulated Species

As of August 21st, birds not bred for use in research (i.e., wild birds) are covered under the Animal Welfare Act. What does this mean for you?

• IACUC protocols will include additional details, such as organization of animal numbers by pain category.
• The number of birds used annually must be reported to the USDA. (We’ll reach out to you each fall to request this information.)
• Housing and procedure spaces for covered birds will be included in routine, unannounced inspections by the USDA.
• Labs are required to have a contingency plan to provide for the care of their animals during an emergency or disaster.

This plan must be reviewed at least annually and that review documented.

Reach out to your OAW liaison to learn more about the regulations and how to prepare for possible visits.

New Option for Your Alternatives Search!

Doing an alternatives search for an upcoming project? Check out the USDA’s new search interface on the National Agricultural Library website, which allows users to search PubAg, AGRICOLA, and Digital Collections at the same time. In contrast to other database searches, using this interface will bring up materials specifically curated by the Animal Welfare Information Center experts on animal health and welfare topics.

Animal Welfare Noncompliance: NIH Data and Process

Curious how the National Institutes of Health (NIH) responds to reports of noncompliance?

Or what types of incidents are most frequently reported to NIH?

A recent article in the Extramural Nexus discusses how NIH processes reports of noncompliance and case trends, and provides resources to help award recipients and researchers ensure their work involving animals is conducted appropriately.

Updated Rabies Safety Information

EH&S updated rabies information for University personnel who conduct field work in areas where rabies is endemic.
Updates include the latest recommendations from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices:

• All personnel working with bats must be vaccinated prophylactically.
• Vaccination is recommended for personnel who may have contact with warm-blooded mammals in field locations where rabies is endemic.