Module 1

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Introduction

Welcome

Welcome to the Module 1 web-based course for Cornell research animal users. This course is designed for principal investigators performing research that involves the use of animals.

Public Health Service (PHS) policy and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Welfare Act Regulations and Standards stipulate that personnel must be trained so that they are qualified to perform research on animals. The institution is given the responsibility for providing training, and as the self-regulating unit of the institution for animal research, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) must ensure that personnel are qualified to perform the procedures proposed in animals as part of the review process.

The USDA Animal Welfare Act Regulations and PHS Policy require an institution to cover a number of specific topics as part of its training program (one of the purposes of this course is to help satisfy these USDA and PHS training requirements):

1. Humane methods of animal maintenance and experimentation, including:
   - The basic needs of each species of animal
   - Proper handling and care for the various species of animals used by the facility
   - Proper pre-procedural and post-procedural care of animals
   - Aseptic surgical methods and procedures
   
2. The concept, availability, and use of research or testing methods that limit the use of animals or minimize animal distress;
3. Proper use of anesthetics, analgesics, and tranquilizers for any species of animals used by the facility;
4. Methods whereby deficiencies in animal care and treatment are reported, including deficiencies in animal care and treatment reported by any employee of the facility. No facility employee, Committee member, or laboratory personnel will be discriminated against or be subject to any reprisal for reporting violations of any regulation or standards under the Act; and
5. Utilization of services (e.g., National Agricultural Library, National Library of Medicine) available to provide information:
   - On appropriate methods of animal care and use;
   - On alternatives to the use of live animals in research;
   - That could prevent unintended and unnecessary duplication of research involving animals;
   - Regarding the intent and requirements of the Act.
   

To comply with the law, the IACUC must assure itself that appropriately trained personnel will be conducting studies on animals. Although academic degrees are useful indicators of educational experience, they are not often useful in evaluating an individual's experience in animal research.

It is perfectly fine to admit that you do not have the necessary training or experience to perform a procedure proposed in your animal protocol forms; just make sure you identify experts who can train you or your staff before the animal procedures begin.

This webcourse is produced by Cornell Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE) and adapted from the course funded by the Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research and Development as part of the "Working with Laboratory Animals" instructional series, with production assistance by the VA Employee Education Service.

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