COVID-19 Pandemic Response Resources and FAQs for Animal Care and Use Programs

Audience: The program is tailored to IACUC staff, IACUC members, IOs, veterinarians, investigators, compliance personnel, animal care staff and others involved in animal programs.

Speakers: Pat Brown, VMD, NIH, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), and Robert Gibbens, DVM, USDA, APHIS, Animal Care

Topic: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unique challenges with it to each animal care and use program. In this webinar, OLAW and USDA Animal Care discuss their most recent guidance and flexibilities in response to COVID-19, and important topics such as euthanasia, animal care, and what to do when you can’t adhere to elements of the PHS Policy, the Guide, or your Animal Welfare Assurance during the pandemic. This webinar was not broadcast live but was prerecorded on April 8, 2020.

Clarifications

• Extending a Protocol: The PHS Policy IV.C.5. states that “The IACUC shall conduct continuing review of each previously approved, ongoing activity covered by this Policy at appropriate intervals as determined by the IACUC, including a complete review in accordance with IV.C.1.-4. at least once every three years.” Rather than extending the period of approval for a protocol, the procedures outlined in Slide 34 are intended to expedite the approval of a previously approved protocol prior to expiration.

• Updates to USDA Information: (March 2024) USDA has provided updates to semiannual inspection requirements for USDA-covered species. Updates can be found in NOT-OD-24-075 and NOT-OD-24-076, which are available on the OLAW website at https://olaw.nih.gov/guidance/notices.htm

Note: COVID-19 specific text no longer represents current NIH policy. Pandemic information in place prior to the end of the public health emergency is for historical purposes only. Please refer to current guidance and FAQs on disaster preparedness and emergencies. 

While this information was accurate at the time presented, policies and procedures change over time. Past webinars may not contain the most current guidance. Please note, do not rely on webinars and associated materials as definitive compliance guidance for your specific situation. For compliance questions, please contact OLAW directly.