Announcements 2003

November 7, 2003: Protocols.  The final, watermarked version of the approved animal use protocol, SOP or addendum must be readily accessible within the procedure room. A hard copy or an electronic copy is acceptable provided all personnel can access it within the procedure room.

In multiple user rooms, the Principal Investigator should compile a mobile protocol file that is brought to the procedure room at the time animal work is to take place.

All non-Animal Care Services housing must have the IACUC approval letter posted on the door.

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November 6, 2003: UF/VA Policy  If you use or house animals at UF you must receive IACUC approval from the UF IACUC. If you use or house animals at the VA you must receive IACUC approval from the VA IACUC. If you transport animals from the VA for use at UF or transport animals from UF for use at the VA then you must receive IACUC approval from BOTH committees.

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August 19, 2003:  Protocols in Procedure Rooms.  The IACUC has adopted the following policy concerning the availability of Protocols in animal procedure rooms:

Copies of all Protocols, Amendments and any associated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be maintained in rooms where animal procedures take place.

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August 19, 2003:  Euthanasia of Rodents.  The IACUC has adopted the following policy on euthanasia of rodents:

Death must be ensured prior to disposal of animals killed by CO2 using a physical method. The recommended physical methods are: bilateral thoracotomy, cervical dislocation (mice only), decapitation, exsanguination, removal of a vital organ, or necropsy.

Chemical methods will be evaluated during vet review of protocols.

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July 31, 2003:   Searches for Alternatives.  Power Point presentation on searches for alternatives is available here: Search for Alternatives

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July 23, 2003:  Training Update. The IACUC has established a February 2004 deadline for listed personnel to complete the new level 1 training module. In order to meet this deadline the IACUC is requiring that this module be completed before any new or continuing renewals will be processed. This module, "Working with the UF IACUC (Lab Animal Users)", can be located at the following URL: http://www.researchtraining.org/

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July 18, 2003: Training and Searches.  Updated information on Training and Searches for Alternatives has been distributed. The document is availible by following this link. IACUC Update.

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April 1, 2003:   Grant Review.  PHS policy IV.D.1 requires that the Institution certify that the Grant is consistent with the IACUC protocol and that all procedures described within the Grant have been reviewed and approved by the IACUC. All newly funded PHS Grants must be submitted to the IACUC office for administrative review. This includes new IACUC protocols AND changes in funding for existing protocols that include new funding from PHS. It is recommended that with NIHs new 'just in time' provisions that the Grant be submitted with the IACUC protocol when the study section determines that the Grant is fundable.

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February 1, 2003:  Training.  The IACUC has adopted a NEW Minimum Documented Training Requirement for Animal Users.  Individuals involved in animal research and teaching at UF have until February of 2004 to complete the required course and pass the exam. Re-examination will be required every three years.

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January 15, 2003:  Unapproved protocols.  NO animal use may take place during the time an IACUC approval is not active or in effect for that project.
DSR will not release funds for an animal project which does not have current IACUC approval.

If you have separate funding agencies co-sponsoring a single animal project, click here for instructions.

If your approval has lapsed or the animal portion of your project has been completed click here for instructions to ensure continuity of funds dispersement.