New EHSO Document, "Working with Mammalian Material in Animals"
A joint task force, with members from both the IACUC and the Institutional Health and Biosafety Committee (IHBC), has recently completed a table that assists researchers in determining the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), containment, engineering controls, administrative controls, and work practices required when exposing animals to different types of mammalian material. Located on the EHSO website, please see "Working with Mammalian Material in Animals."
The New "Guide" and Changes to Mouse Housing Requirements
According to the new 8th edition of the “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.” Based on Table 3.2 on page 57 of the new “Guide”, adult mice (>25 grams body weight) have a recommended minimum 15 square inches of space per animal. The average adult mouse will weigh approximately 30 grams. Using this minimum, cages currently in use will only allow 5 adult mice per cage.
Emory University’s PHS Assurance states that we will adhere to the “Guide” and PHS Policy. The IACUC must conduct at least one of its semiannual inspections incorporating the new “Guide” before December 31, 2012. The IACUC has already conducted one site inspection of all facilities and did not cite any cages with more than 5 adult mice/cage. With this implementation timeframe in mind, any mouse cages containing more than 5 adult mice found after May 1st will be reported to the IACUC. Any cages found with more than 5 adult mice found on the next semiannual site inspection will be documented as a deficiency and reported to our Institutional Official, Dr. David Wynes, Vice President for Research Administration, in the semiannual report as required by the Animal Welfare Act.
Please don’t blame the IACUC. Following the new revised “Guide” is federally mandated by our regulatory bodies and expected by our accreditation agency. Please note that the IACUC has revised its policy to comply with the new “Guide”. Please see Mouse Overcrowded Cage Policy.
"The Animal Examiner, News from the IACUC" Launches
A new electronic newsletter has been launched in an effort to fill the information gap between the IACUC meeting room and the animal procedure room. Timely topics include information on new policies and policy changes, guidance from the regulatory and accrediting agencies, upcoming site inspections, compliance reminders, tips for swifter protocol review, and more. This short one-page newsletter will be delivered via a listserv and is intended for researchers using animals at Emory University. If you did not recieve the inaugural issue and would like to receive future issues, please send an email to Dr. Larry Iten. To download the inaugural issue and future issues, please click here.
TOPAZ Web P&R - Routine System Maintenance
Due to the number of changes made on a daily basis to this system, regular system maintenance is scheduled nightly. Beginning immediately, system maintenance will occur between 1AM and 5AM. But not to worry, the system will still be up and running continuously but you may experience slower screens during this time period.