Purpose
To provide guidance on the purchasing and use of eggs for use in research at the University of Washington.
Background
According to the guidelines set forth in the PHS Policy, the use of eggs before hatching in research does not fall under the applicable guidelines for oversight of vertebrate research at NIH funded institutions. According to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), “Although avian and other egg-laying vertebrate species develop backbones prior to hatching, OLAW interprets the PHS Policy as applicable to their offspring only after hatching. The egg-laying adult animal is covered by the Policy. OLAW expects Assured institutions to have policies and procedures in place that address the care or euthanasia of animals that hatch unexpectedly.”1
Guideline
In alignment with this guidance, if eggs are being purchased and used prior to hatching than their use does not need to be reviewed and approved in an IACUC protocol and oversight by the Department of Comparative Medicine is not required for purchase of the eggs.
The lab must have in place a written procedure to ensure that eggs do not hatch. If eggs hatch unexpectedly, the lab must have a procedure in place to ensure the chicks receive appropriate care or euthanasia and are promptly reported to the IACUC. Contact Veterinary Service for assistance with procedure development or emergency care.
Any eggs that are being purchased that will be allowed to hatch must be included in an IACUC approved protocol, their purchase must go thru the Department of Comparative Medicine purchasing office, and they may be purchased only from a vendor approved by the Attending Veterinarian.
References
- Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare. Frequently Asked Questions: PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Frequently Asked Questions: PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Approval/Review Dates
Originally Approved: 08/17/2017
Last Reviewed/Revised by the IACUC: 11/13/2023 (OAW)