What are core responsibilities of the IACUC during protocol review and ongoing oversight?

• A. Conduct unrelated literature reviews
• B. Only approve the protocol
• C. Manage fundraising
• D. Evaluate scientific merit, justify animal numbers, assess welfare plans, ensure training and veterinary care, and monitor compliance

Answer: (D)

IACUCs oversee animal use by ensuring that protocols are sound from both ethical and welfare perspectives and that they are continuously followed. The most complete answer reflects that during both initial review and ongoing oversight, the committee evaluates the scientific justification for using animals and the necessity of the proposed numbers, checks that welfare plans are solid (including pain management, humane endpoints, housing, and enrichment), confirms that personnel are properly trained and veterinary care is available, and monitors ongoing compliance with the approved protocol. This combination embodies the responsibilities of safeguarding animal welfare, supporting responsible study design, and ensuring regulatory adherence through regular reviews, facility inspections, and post-approval monitoring. Other options miss essential duties: unrelated literature reviews, fundraising activities, or the notion of only approving the protocol without ongoing oversight.