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.

Clarification on Frequency of IACUC Meetings: The Guide states that "The committee must meet as often as necessary to fulfill its responsibilities..." However, OLAW strongly recommends that IACUCs meet at least once every six months in order to effectively carry out their functions and ensure compliance with the PHS Policy.

Clarification on 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 (and reflected in OLAW COVID FAQ VIII.18) are intended to expedite the approval of a previously approved protocol prior to expiration.

Note: This webinar was not broadcast live but was prerecorded on April 8, 2020.