FEDERALLY MANDATED ACUC FUNCTIONS:

1. Review at least once every six months the institution's program for humane care and use of animals.
2. Inspect, at least once every six months, all animal facilities, including animal study ares/satellite facilities, using USDA Regulations, as basis.
3. Prepare reports of ACUC evaluations and sumbit rhe reports to the Institutional Official.
4. Review and Investigate legitimate concerns involving the care and use of animals at institutional care facilities resulting from public complaints and from reports of non-compliance received from facility personnel or employees.
5. Make recommendations to the Instiutional Official regarding any aspect of the institutions animal program, facilities or personnel training.
6. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of those components of proposed activities related to the care and use of animals.
7. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of proposed significant changes regardingthe care and use of animals in ongoing activities.
8. Suspend any activity involoving animals when necessary; take corrective action and report to funding agency and USDA.

FEDERAL GUIDELINES PERTAINING TO ACUC:

USDA website for Animal Welfare Act and Regulations:

http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm

Other links:

Animal Welfare Information Center:

http://awic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?tax_level=1&info_center=3

USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Care (APHIS, AC):

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ac/

USDA, Additional Federal Animal Care Legislation, Policies, GLP's, etc.:

http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg2.htm

IACUC.ORG:

http://www.iacuc.org/