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Policy 15.0 Requirement for Institutional Veterinary Consultation for Biomedical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Biotechnology-related Studies

15.1.0 PURPOSE
In accordance with the Animal Welfare Regulations §2.31 (iii)(B) and §2.33 (b)(4 and 5) and the National Research Council (NRC) handbook on Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals, the investigator must involve the Attending Veterinarian (AV)* or his or her designee in the planning of their vertebrate animal use protocols.
*Attending Veterinarian - The veterinarian responsible for the health and well-being of all laboratory animals used at the institution. (The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Edition).

15.2.0 Mechanism for Preview by Attending Veterinarian and EHSO

Concurrently forward a draft copy of the protocol application of the proposed study to the following offices before submitting a finalized protocol to the IACUC:

• Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) – biosafe@hawaii.edu

• Laboratory Animal Service (LAS) – uhlas@hawaii.edu A minimum of 10 business days is required for the pre-review process.

15.3.0 Responsibility of Principal Investigators and Course Instructors

Confirmation of consultation is required to be documented in Section XII. of the IACUC Vertebrate Animal Use Protocol Form.

• Animal use protocol applications will not be approved without confirmation that consultation has taken place. Protocols are considered independent of one another; therefore, the investigator is required to consult with the attending veterinarian on each protocol.

• Principal Investigators (PIs) are required to consult with the AV on full protocol reviews in an assessment of the approved study because there will likely be changes in the experimental methods and procedures at the time of the review.

• The PI is responsible for assuring the funding agency and project sponsors that facilities and equipment are adequate for conducting the proposed research and/or teaching activity, and when applicable that the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and EHSO have approved these facilities as appropriate to contain the proposed activity or work.

If further questions arise, the matter will be referred to the program’s designated Institutional Official (IO) for animal care and use or biohazard concerns, as appropriate.

15.4.0 Responsibility of the Attending Veterinarian, EHSO and PLs

The AV is required to be closely involved in the planning and review of proposed animal use.

• The EHSO, IBC, and AV should specifically consider the potential for zoonotic diseases and other potential biohazards associated with the species involved. Specific matters and possible concerns may involve additional requirements for specialized training, preventative measures, or special animal health monitoring.

• Communication between the AV and the PI during the planning phase can address these matters and concerns before a proposal is presented to the IACUC for review and consideration for approval.

15.5.0 Scope of Consultation and Pre-review

Biomedical Sciences, Neurosciences, and Biotechnology-related Studies:

This policy applies to and is a requirement of all biomedical sciences, neurosciences, and biotechnology-related studies which utilize the University of Hawaii Laboratory Animal Service (LAS) facilities and resources.

• The veterinary consultation will cover but shall not be limited to discussion associated with study experimental design, the use of animal subjects, project personnel, study personnel training requirements, use of anesthesia, euthanasia methods, surgical procedures, housing needs, quarantine requirements, requirements for special housing and/or equipment, duration of the study, and cost of housing (per diem) and care of the animal subjects during the study.

• The proposed use of biohazardous agents and/or hazardous materials in any study must be disclosed during the consultation period. It is important that these matters have been discussed in their entirety with the UH Veterinarian’s Office and EHSO prior to IACUC review and approval of the proposed research or teaching activity. The

LAS website www.hawaii.edu/LAS and the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) website www.hawaii.edu/EHSO and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) link should be reviewed by applicants prior to and during the writing of grant applications and/or vertebrate animal use protocol applications.

Non-Biomedical Studies:

Investigators proposing studies which are not considered biomedical sciences, neurosciences, and biotechnology-related are also recommended to contact the UH Veterinarian’s office for consultation. It is likely that some of discussion items associated with biomedical sciences, neurosciences, and biotechnology-related studies will not apply; however, consultation with the University Veterinarian’s office is highly recommended.

Effective January 2007

For more information Contact the University of Hawaii Compliance Officer:

University of Hawaii
2538 McCarthy Mall
Snyder Hall 410
Honolulu, HI 96822
Phone: (808) 956-4552, (808) 956-4446
Fax: (808) 956-5785
Email:
Mr. Norman Magno at nmagno@hawaii.edu
Ms. Denise Yee at deniseye@hawaii.edu

Web Page Maintained by: sylviak@hawaii.edu
Last modified: [11-30-06]