Working with animals in research and education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is a responsibility that comes with specific requirements and ethical obligations. The UWM Animal Care Program is dedicated to ensuring the care, health, and well-being of all animals involved in university activities. This program provides researchers and educators with the necessary knowledge, resources, and oversight to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare. Adherence to these guidelines is not just a matter of policy; it’s a commitment to responsible and ethical animal stewardship.
To ensure you are prepared to work with animals at UWM, here are key aspects of the Animal Care Program you need to understand:
Key Requirements for Working with Animals at UWM
1. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Protocol Approval
Any research or educational activity involving animals at UWM must be conducted under an approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol. This crucial step ensures that all animal use is ethically reviewed and justified. Submitting a detailed protocol to the IACUC is the first step before commencing any work with animals. This protocol outlines the specifics of your project, including animal species, procedures, and measures for animal welfare.
2. Animal Care Program Certification and Occupational Health
Before you can begin working directly with animals, you are required to complete the Animal Care Program Certification process. This includes passing an online test to demonstrate your understanding of animal care principles and UWM policies. Additionally, participation in the Occupational Health Program is mandatory. Anyone who will have contact with animals or their tissues must fill out the “Animal Care Program Occupational Health Questionnaire” prior to any exposure. This is essential for protecting your health and safety while working in animal research settings.
3. Minimizing Pain and Distress in Animals
A central tenet of the Animal Care Program is the commitment to minimizing pain and distress in research animals. This is achieved through several critical practices:
- Proper Animal Handling Training: Being expertly trained in appropriate animal handling techniques is paramount to reduce stress and ensure animal well-being.
- Exploring Alternatives to Live Animals: The program encourages the use of alternatives to live animals whenever scientifically and pedagogically feasible. Resources for finding alternatives are readily available.
- Providing for Behavioral Needs and Proper Housing: Ensuring animals are housed in environments that meet their species-specific behavioral needs is crucial for their psychological and physical well-being. Environmental enrichment is an important aspect of this.
- Adhering to Painful Procedure Guidelines: Strict adherence to established guidelines is required for any procedures that could potentially cause pain or distress.
- Pain and Distress Recognition: Researchers and educators must be proficient in recognizing signs of pain and distress in the animal species they are working with.
- Anesthesia and Analgesia: Appropriate anesthetics and analgesics must be used for any procedures that are expected to cause pain.
- Aseptic Surgical Techniques: When performing surgery, strict aseptic techniques and proper surgical procedures are mandatory to prevent infection and complications.
- Post-Procedural Care: Providing diligent post-procedural care is essential for the animals’ recovery and well-being following any procedures.
- Humane Euthanasia: When euthanasia is necessary, it must be performed using only approved methods, as outlined by established guidelines.
4. Awareness of Animal Use Laws and Guidelines
It is your responsibility to be fully aware of all relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern animal use at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This includes federal, state, and university policies designed to protect animals in research and education.
5. Knowing Who to Contact
For any questions or clarifications regarding the Animal Care Program or animal welfare at UWM, it is important to know who to contact. Reach out to the Animal Care Program office or the IACUC for guidance on protocols, training, or any concerns related to animal care.
Stay Informed with UWM Animal Care Program Newsletters:
For up-to-date information and news about the UWM Animal Care Program, refer to their quarterly newsletters:
By understanding and adhering to these essential guidelines of the UWM Animal Care Program, you contribute to a responsible and ethical research and education environment that prioritizes the well-being of animals.
