Animal care and use programs are crucial for institutions involved in animal research, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a vital role in overseeing these programs. For individuals working within these regulated environments, staying informed about the latest guidelines and resources is essential. A past webinar, presented by experts from the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) and USDA Animal Care, offered valuable insights into navigating the complexities of animal care and use programs, particularly in challenging circumstances.
This webinar, tailored for IACUC staff, members, institutional officials, veterinarians, investigators, compliance personnel, and animal care staff, addressed critical aspects of program management. Speakers Pat Brown, VMD from OLAW, and Robert Gibbens, DVM from USDA Animal Care, discussed guidance and flexibilities relevant to maintaining robust animal care standards. Key discussion points included best practices for euthanasia, ensuring consistent animal care, and strategies for addressing situations where adherence to standard policies like the PHS Policy, the Guide, or an institution’s Animal Welfare Assurance might be difficult.
While initially focused on challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the core principles discussed remain relevant for any institution striving for excellence in its Animal Care And Use Programs Usda oversight. It’s important to note that specific pandemic-related guidance from that period is now primarily for historical context. For the most current regulations and recommendations, it is always best to refer to the latest official guidance and FAQs provided by OLAW and USDA Animal Care directly. Resources and updates, including important notices like NOT-OD-24-075 and NOT-OD-24-076 regarding semiannual inspection requirements for USDA-covered species, are readily available on the OLAW website.
For specific compliance questions related to animal care and use programs and USDA regulations, direct consultation with OLAW is recommended to ensure adherence to the most up-to-date standards and best practices.
