An Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a federally mandated committee responsible for oversight and evaluation of an institution’s animal care and use program. “The goal of t IACUC is to ensure the humane care and use of animals used in research, and compliance with guidelines and regulations, while maintaining flexibility to best meet the unique needs of the institution. Active participation by research scientists allows for the scientific needs of research investigators to be considered; participation by nonaffiliated members incorporates a public conscience; and the involvement of veterinarians ensures appropriate medical care and animal well-being.” (Arena/OLAW Guidebook)

The VA San Diego Healthcare System IACUC is responsible for oversight of all animal use activities (research, teaching, or testing) performed at the VASDHS or with VA or VMRF administered funds. The IACUC ensures all animal use activities are conducted in accordance with the Animal Welfare Regulations; PHS Policy; U.S. Government Principles for Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training; and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

The VASDHS IACUC is comprised of 15 members including research scientists, veterinarians, non-scientists and the lay members from the local community. Representatives from the VA Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU) and UCSD also serve on the committee. The committee meets once a month to review research proposals and related issues. Meetings occur on the last Thursday of the month. Any items to be reviewed (e.g. protocols, modifications, renewal requests) must be submitted to the IACUC by the seventh working day of the month; a schedule is available for submission deadlines and meeting dates. The IACUC has authority to approve, require modifications before approval, or withhold approval of proposals submitted to it for review. Following an IACUC meeting notices are sent to Principal Investigators identifying committee decisions and delineating any requested clarifications or modifications to secure approval. No activity involving animals can begin until it is approved by the IACUC and by the VA R&D Committee. For more information, please click the following link. Approval Process Flowchart.

In addition to reviewing proposed animal use activities, the IACUC must review the animal care and use program and inspect the animal facilities and activity areas on a semiannual basis. After review and inspection, the committee reports its findings to the responsible institutional officials as required by federal, state, and local regulations and policies.