What is the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) responsible for?

• A. The IACUC is responsible for reviewing and approving animal research procedures and inspecting facilities for compliance with the AWA
• B. The IACUC designs experiments and writes manuscripts
• C. The IACUC handles grant applications
• D. The IACUC sets house pet policies

Answer: (A)

IACUC oversight of animal use ensures humane treatment and legal compliance in research. Its main role is to review and approve proposed animal procedures before work begins, making sure the study justifies animal use, that alternatives have been considered, and that pain and distress are minimized through appropriate anesthesia or analgesia and clearly defined humane endpoints. The committee also conducts routine inspections of animal housing and facilities to verify adherence to the Animal Welfare Act and related policies, and it monitors ongoing compliance through program reviews and incident investigations. It also helps ensure staff receive proper training and that veterinary oversight is available when needed. This activity does not involve designing experiments or writing manuscripts, handling grant applications, or setting house pet policies; those tasks are managed by investigators and other institutional offices or committees.