LARC Policies
The use and care of animals in the LARC is in accordance with the USDA Animal Welfare Act; PHS “Policy for the Humane Care and Use of Animals;” U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research and Training; and the Animal Welfare Policies of the University (Policy 585: Animal Care and Use). In order to ensure that these regulations and guidelines are followed and the LARC is operated equitably and efficiently, certain restrictions and administrative requirements are necessary.
Compliance with the below stipulations will ensure continued LARC support:
Inhumane treatment of any animal will not be tolerated.
All animal use must receive prior review and approval from the USU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Only University faculty members may submit IACUC protocols for review. You can apply at usu.kuali.co/protocols.
Only individuals who are associated with an approved IACUC protocol, have enrolled in the LARC Occupational Health and Safety program, and who have completed all necessary training will be provided facility access. Temporary access may be allowed for individuals escorted within the facilities.
The animal care facilities are managed as a University wide resource. Facility space is generally provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. In order to avoid delays in initiating research projects and so that cages and space are available when needed, the investigator should make arrangements with the LARC manager as early as possible.
All animals will be properly handled at all times. Any person not familiar with the species involved in the experiment should request additional training from LARC support staff.
The principal investigators are responsible for all experimental procedures conducted by members of the research team (research technicians, graduate students, etc).
Only authorized personnel are allowed in the LARC. Tours of the facility may be arranged after consulting with the Director or the Supervisor.
All personnel will wear appropriate protective clothing while in the animal and experimental rooms. LARC lab coats are available for use while in the facility.
Personnel who are actually working with the animals must have training (education or experience) prior to performing experimental manipulations with the animals.
Acceptable animal husbandry and sanitation practices as outlined in the LARC’s Standard Operating Procedures manual will be followed at all times.
Appropriate anesthetics, analgesics, or tranquilizers as determined by the staff veterinarian must be used to relieve all unnecessary pain and distress to animals unless approval has been obtained in writing from the IACUC.
Photography within the facility must receive prior approval.
Shared support equipment (i.e. scales, restrainers, etc.) is for use by all personnel utilizing the LARC. Please do not remove any equipment from the facility.
Eating and drinking within the facility is only permitted in designated areas. Smoking is not allowed in any area of the building.
All accidents or injuries occurring within the LARC facilities are to be promptly reported to the LARC Manager.
Animal carcasses should be stored in the designated freezer or cold rooms in the facilities.
All animals must be ordered through the LARC office. Contact the LARC office to arrange purchase or delivery.
Animals are received at the LARC on Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday. Animals undergo standard quarantine of 72 hours for animals from approved sources. Shorter quarantine periods must receive approval from the facility veterinarian.
Inhumane treatment of any animal will not be tolerated.
Investigators will be charged for all animals they order that arrive at the facility unless the animals arrive ill, moribund or dead.
Non-compliance with the above stipulations may result in suspension of the privilege of using the LARC or its equipment.
