Research Using Animals

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA)

The AWA, along with its implementing regulations 9CFR, mandates minimal standards of lab animal care. These standards apply to nearly all academic and research institutions and are enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through randomly scheduled, unannounced inspections to ensure that all regulated facilities comply with the law. If an inspection reveals deficiencies in meeting the AWA standards and regulations, the inspector instructs the facility to correct the problems within a given time frame. If deficiencies are uncorrected at the follow-up inspection, legal action can be taken. Such action could include fines and/or license suspensions or revocations.

The animal care and use program at ODU is a Public Health Service (PHS) assured program and is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. ODU implements humane care and management practices for animals in compliance with USDA regulations promulgated under the Animal Welfare Act, the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching. ODU has an established Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) in accordance with USDA regulations, and abides by the care and management practices approved by the IACUC. The animal research program at ODU ensures the ethical and humane use of animals involved in teaching and research activities by providing quality animal care in a research environment that promotes good science.

USDA Annual Report (APHIS Form 7023) - FY2023

USDA Annual Report (APHIS Form 7023) - FY2022

OLAW

The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) is responsible for administering and coordinating the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Animals (PHS Policy). The Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-158) is the mandate for the PHS Policy.

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IACUC Meeting Dates

Meetings of the IACUC are scheduled monthly. The deadline for protocol submission is the second Monday of every month. All submissions, including new protocols, amendment, annual renewals, and close-out reports, must be submitted electronically via IRBNet. Protocols submitted before the deadline will be guaranteed a spot on the upcoming meeting agenda and will have a pre-review conducted by a small subcommittee made up of IACUC members and support staff. Protocols submitted after the deadline will not be guaranteed a spot on the next meeting agenda.

Meeting dates may be rescheduled due to holidays or if the Chair or Attending Veterinarian is unable to attend. Updated meeting times will be posted to this website within one week of the meeting.

All meetings take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on their designated date.

Please direct all questions to IACUC@odu.edu.