The University of South Florida (USF) affirms that respect for all forms of life is an inherent characteristic of biological and medical scientists who conduct research involving animals, that the respectful treatment, care and use of animals involved in research is an ethical and scientific necessity, and that the use of animals in research and teaching contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the acquisition of understanding. Accordingly the university has established an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for oversight and evaluation of the animal care and use program, its procedures and facilities to ensure that they are consistent with the recommendations of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, University Policy #0-308, and the IACUC Principles and Procedures.
Mission and Purpose
To support excellence in research and teaching involving vertebrate animals. To this end the IACUC reviews use of vertebrate animals in research and testing; monitors animal care and use programs including inspecting animal facilities; reviews concerns about animal care or use, educates and trains the membership in the most current practices; provides guidance to USF faculty and staff researchers regarding use of animals; and to represent the interests of the research and general community regarding use of animals before administrations of the University of South Florida. The University program and facilities for animal care and use are fully accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC).
Scope
All research and teaching activities involving live vertebrate animals including field studies, conducted at USF or its affiliated institutions, by USF faculty and staff, or supported by University funds, must be conducted in accordance with the federal regulations and USF Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Principles and Procedures with an over goal of animal welfare and humane use of animals. The Division of Research Integrity & Compliance provides the IACUC with administrative support services and assists the IACUC with its functions of oversight and evaluation of the animal care and use program.
