What is the primary purpose of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?

The primary purpose of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is to ensure ethical standards in animal research. This committee plays a crucial role in overseeing and evaluating all aspects of an institution’s animal care and use program, ensuring that any research involving animals is conducted ethically, responsibly, and in compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.

By reviewing research proposals and monitoring ongoing studies, the IACUC assesses whether the proposed use of animals is justified scientifically and ethically. This process involves evaluating the necessity of animal use, the minimization of pain and distress, and the implementation of alternative methods whenever possible. The IACUC strives to protect animal welfare and uphold ethical treatment, thereby significantly contributing to responsible research practices.

In contrast, funding animal care practices, regulating veterinary practices across states, or permitting veterinarians to perform any type of research do not reflect the core function of the IACUC. It does not provide financial support for animal care, does not oversee veterinary regulations across different jurisdictions, nor does it grant unrestricted research permissions; rather, it ensures that all proposed animal research adheres to ethical standards and guidelines.