Who Monitors the Use of Animals in Research? United States Department of Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture -Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-Aphis)-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-Aphis) Mission: “To ensure that animals intended for use in research facilities or for exhibition purposes or for use as pets are provided humane care and treatment”Mission: “To ensure that animals intended for use in research facilities or for exhibition purposes or for use as pets are provided humane care and treatment” Majority of research animals (>90%) are rats and mice. Majority of research animals (>90%) are rats and mice. USDA monitors the use of less than 10% of animals- primarily pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, goats, sheep, cattle, horses, dogs and cats. USDA monitors the use of less than 10% of animals- primarily pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, goats, sheep, cattle, horses, dogs and cats.

Who oversees the use of all animals; especially rodents? Public Health Service Policy requires: Public Health Service Policy requires: That Institutions (such as the University of Miami) receiving federal funding submit an Assurance statement to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)That Institutions (such as the University of Miami) receiving federal funding submit an Assurance statement to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) That the institution is committed to following the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide).That the institution is committed to following the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide).

The Guide The Guide Guide provides details as to the type of housing, veterinary medical care for animalsGuide provides details as to the type of housing, veterinary medical care for animals Guide also defines how animal care and use protocols must be reviewed by a designated committeeGuide also defines how animal care and use protocols must be reviewed by a designated committee Animal is defined as “any vertebrate animal used in research, teaching or testing”.Animal is defined as “any vertebrate animal used in research, teaching or testing”. This includes our Betta splendensThis includes our Betta splendens

Procedures to Monitor Animal Care & Use The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) inspects and evaluates UM’s facilities and programs at least twice a year. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) inspects and evaluates UM’s facilities and programs at least twice a year. The USDA inspects “covered species” annually, and more frequently if there is an issue or complaint The USDA inspects “covered species” annually, and more frequently if there is an issue or complaint University of Miami must allow a USDA inspector access to its facilities at anytime University of Miami must allow a USDA inspector access to its facilities at anytime AAALAC (Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International) accredited facilities are inspected by representatives every 3 years AAALAC (Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International) accredited facilities are inspected by representatives every 3 years Annual reports are sent by UM laboratory staff to regulatory agencies and AAALAC regarding the use of animals Annual reports are sent by UM laboratory staff to regulatory agencies and AAALAC regarding the use of animals

IACUC Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) The committee that oversees and evaluates UM’s animal program, procedures and facilitiesThe committee that oversees and evaluates UM’s animal program, procedures and facilities IACUC reviews all protocols describing animal use; procedures may not begin until protocols are approved.IACUC reviews all protocols describing animal use; procedures may not begin until protocols are approved. IACUC derives its authority from federal law (USDA/OLAW)IACUC derives its authority from federal law (USDA/OLAW) The IACUC must include at least three people:The IACUC must include at least three people: a veterinarian trained in laboratory animal medicine a veterinarian trained in laboratory animal medicine one practicing scientist one practicing scientist at least one (non-scientist) community member at least one (non-scientist) community member

The Three R’s REDUCE - the number of animals needed to meet research goals. Typically a “power analysis” is done to determine the minimum number of animals required per experimental group. REDUCE - the number of animals needed to meet research goals. Typically a “power analysis” is done to determine the minimum number of animals required per experimental group. REFINE - finding a better way to achieve a research result. Improving an assay so that it is more humane (requiring fewer blood collections or anesthetic events) REFINE - finding a better way to achieve a research result. Improving an assay so that it is more humane (requiring fewer blood collections or anesthetic events) REPLACE - Replace animals with other models or techniques REPLACE - Replace animals with other models or techniques e.g.. Screening pharmaceutical compounds in the laboratory prior to testing in an animal model

Betta splendens behavior Because we are examining the behavior of a particular species, we cannot use a substitute for the live animal. Because we are examining the behavior of a particular species, we cannot use a substitute for the live animal. However, all regulations regarding humane animal use will be followed by everyone coming into contact with the fish. However, all regulations regarding humane animal use will be followed by everyone coming into contact with the fish.

Rules for Betta observations No tapping on the bowls No tapping on the bowls Avoid unnecessary movement or vibrations around the fish bowls. Avoid unnecessary movement or vibrations around the fish bowls. Do not feed the fish Do not feed the fish Do not physically handle the fish in any way. Do not physically handle the fish in any way. If there seems to be a problem with a fish, contact your TA immediately. If there seems to be a problem with a fish, contact your TA immediately. Remember the The Golden Rule. Remember the The Golden Rule.

Thank you Questions? Questions?