IACUC Policy 360 - Activities Exempt of Animal Use Protocols

Effective Date: September 20, 2023

I. Policy Purpose

The approval of an animal use protocol is required to work with vertebrate animals and cephalopods, yet there are situations that may be exempted. The Graduate School as well as journal editors may request evidence of an activity exempted from a protocol. This policy clarifies the situations when a protocol is not required and also clarifies the need to apply for the memo of exemption prior to the start of the activities involving animals.

II. Policy Definitions

Researchers: volunteers and/or students approved to complete research in the designated protocol.

Field study: observation and collection of data without any impact on an animal.

Field research: observation and data collection that requires capture, holding, sedation, redirection, behavior modification and/or may induce harm.

Excessive disturbance: visits to nests and breeding areas, close approach to animals during critical periods of their life cycle, experimental techniques that elicit engagement.

III. Procedures

Research and/or teaching field studies are exempted from filing an animal care and use protocol and obtaining IACUC approval provided that the field studies are only observational in nature and meet the following three criteria:

-do not materially alter the behavior and/or environment of the animals under study;

-do not involve capturing/trapping, physical/chemical restraint, and/or invasive procedure, and

-do not cause excessive disturbance due to study activities.

Should investigators and instructors require a letter of exemption they should provide the IACUC the following information before the activities start:

• The PI’s name, office address, department, phone number and email address
• In a language understandable to a layperson and without technical details, a summary describing the aim of the study and its importance to human or animal health, the advancement of knowledge, the good of society or educational benef The description must demonstrate that the criteria for exemption from the IACUC approval have been met.
• Include permit number of any Federal or State scientific permits, if any.

Requests will be evaluated by the IACUC Administrative Office and the IACUC as appropriate.

IV. References

Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Subchapter A – Animal Welfare, Parts 1-3