About the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) 

Animal Protection Law require an institutional animal-use oversight committee. The committee is referred to as the "institutional animal care and use committee" or more commonly, the IACUC. Each institution with an animal care and use program must have an IACUC. The IACUC is appointed by the Institutional Official, the Director of NDMC. The IACUC is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the institution’s animal care and use program, procedures, and facilities to ensure that they are consistent with the recommendations in the National Research Council’s Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy, and NDMC Policy. The committee's composition is determined by regulations. There must be at least one of each of the following: a scientist familiar with animal use, a nonscientist, an attending veterinarian familiar with research animals, and someone with no other affiliation with the university.

Responsibilities of the IACUC     

 Vertebrate animals used must be reviewed and approved by the IACUC prior to that use occurring. Review is required regardless of animal use site, funding source, species, or animal number.

Concerns 

  To ensure compliance with all regulations, policies and the highest standards for animal welfare, IACUC members review all requests for approval to use vertebrate animals and make sure that animal research is performed. By assuring that animal research complies with animal welfare laws and guidelines, the IACUC ensures that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain and distress.

Mission Statement     

1. Reviewing and approving animal proposed research, testing, or education activities, including significant changes to approved research.
2. Assure that all activities involving animals meet the ethical and legal requirements for the humane care and use of animals.
3. Conducting continued review of approved research activities.
4. Conducting semi-annual facility inspections and animal care and use program reviews.
5. Reviewing and investigating concerns involving the care and use of animals in the research facility.