University of Maryland Animal Care Program

1. CONTRIBUTING COMPONENTS

1. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

   The Campus animal care and use program is directed by the IACUC. The composition of this committee is consistent with federal regulations as well as ensuring adequate expertise to address the Campus diversity of animal research.

   1. Animal Researchers (A faculty member from every department using animals, if the department wishes to be represented)
   2. Representatives (3) from the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station
   3. Veterinarian (Director of Laboratory Animal Care)
   4. A faculty member who does not use animals
   5. Individuals (1 or 2) not associated with the Campus

   Currently the animal care program applies officially only to vertebrate animals. However, it is assumed that invertebrate species will be handled with the same degree of care and concern.

   No vertebrate animals may be used under Campus auspices without prior approval of the IACUC. Examples of animal activities requiring IACUC approval include:

   1. Animal research conducted on Campus or on MAES facilities
   2. Animal research conducted in the field by UM faculty, graduate students or staff under the auspices of the Campus
   3. Animal research conducted by UM graduate students at other institutions as part of completion of a graduate degree
   4. Animal research conducted at another institution as part of a joint contract with a UM faculty member
   5. Animal activities used in the teaching of UM undergraduate and graduate courses

2. Department of Laboratory Animal Care

        Please see: http://www.umresearch.umd.edu/iacuc/carf.htm

3. Facility Supervisors

   Each of the departmental facilities which house animals has a faculty or staff member designated to be the facility supervisor. These individuals are responsible for ensuring that all activities conducted within the departmental facility are conducted in compliance with Campus regulations and are consistent with quality animal care and use.

2. ANIMAL FACILITIES

The Campus animal facilities are locally managed. Each department is responsible for the management of their facility. Each facility has a facility supervisor who generally is a faculty member. The facility supervisor is responsible for the animal activities conducted in that facility and signs off on all applicable animal protocols. Anyone wishing to conduct animal studies must obtain the approval of the facility supervisor for the facility in which they will house their animals.

Information on space availability can be obtained by contacting the Director of Laboratory Animal Care at knepote@gradschool.umd.edu or Extension 54921

Each animal facility has established standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to animal care and use within that facility. Individuals working within these facilities must be aware of and comply with these SOPs. These SOPs are developed to ensure compliance with the following applicable references:

1. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

Compiled by the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, this is the standard reference for biomedical research involving warm-blooded vertebrates. Areas discussed include institutional responsibility, facility design, animal caging, veterinary care, and animal care.

2. Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching

Developed by the Federation of Animal Science Societies, a consortium of animal industry representatives and university faculty involved in animal research, this is the standard reference for agricultural production research. Areas discussed in this guide include: animal care program, facility design, animal housing, veterinary care and animal care.