IACUC Policy 200 - Training Policy

IACUC Policy 200 - Training Policy

Effective Date: May 17, 2023 (revised version; originally adopted on August 18, 2021)

I. Policy Purpose

Delineate required training for investigators who are listed on an SIUC IACUC approved protocol and/or personnel involved in the regular animal care or treatment of vertebrate animals and cephalopods covered under a protocol.

II. Policy Definitions

CITI:  Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative, the online training platform which supplies content for SIUC investigators

III. Policy Statement

The Animal Welfare Regulations (AWR) in Section 2.32 require the institution to ensure that all scientists, research technicians, animal technicians, and other personnel involved in animal care, treatment, and use are qualified and trained to perform their duties. Additionally, the institution must make training and instruction available in the specific areas outlined under 2.32(c).

IV. Procedures

The IACUC requires that certain training must be completed before investigators can work with or provide care to vertebrate animals and cephalopods. This policy also includes personnel involved in the regular animal care or treatment of vertebrate animals covered under an SIUC IACUC approved protocol. The CITI online training modules that must be completed, at a minimum, before work with animals can begin, are as follows:

• Working with the IACUC
• Reducing Pain and Distress in Laboratory Mice and Rats (regardless of species used in research, all investigators must view this course)
• SIUC Animal Care

Additionally, the surgery module must be completed for investigators who intend to perform surgery. Several taxon specific modules are available that address the special needs and interests of those particular taxa, and personnel are required to complete all that are applicable to their work.

This list of modules above must be completed before work with any animals may begin.

The training is valid for three years. At the end of three years, investigators must complete the module “Working with Animals in Biomedical Research – Refresher Course.” The original three modules need not be repeated. This refresher course must be completed every three years.

The Office of Research Compliance will ensure that investigators who are listed on an SIUC IACUC approved protocol and/or personnel involved in regular animal care or treatment have completed necessary online training before any protocol receives final approval.

Principal investigators are responsible for hands-on, practical training of their students and staff. This training must be documented on the training record kept in the IACUC binder. This specialty training can include topics such as methods of inducing and controlling anesthesia, various surgical techniques, trapping methods for wildlife, zoonoses, methods of euthanasia, proper handling to prevent additional stress, behavioral training, and many other topics.

V. References

1. Animal Welfare Regulations, 9 CFR 2.32
2. Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative: https://about.citiprogram.org/en/homepage/