UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING PRIVATE

Assurance of Compliance with Public Health Service

(PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use

 of Laboratory Animals 

            The University of Wyoming, hereinafter referred to as institution, hereby gives assurance that it will comply with the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, hereinafter referred to as PHS Policy.

I.          Applicability

 

            This Assurance is applicable to all research, research training, experimentation, and biological testing and related activities, hereinafter referred to as activities, involving live, vertebrate animals supported by the Public Health Service (PHS) and conducted at this institution, or at another institution as a consequence of the subgranting or subcontracting of a PHS-conducted or supported activity by this institution. 

 

"Institution" includes the following branches and major components of the University of Wyoming, University of Wyoming-Casper, University of Wyoming Family Practice Residency Program at Cheyenne, and the University of Wyoming Family Practice Residency Program at Casper.  (At this time, no animal research is being conducted at the University of Wyoming-Casper or the University of Wyoming Family Practice Residency Programs at Cheyenne or Casper.)  No other institutions, branches or major components of other institutions are covered by this Assurance.

II.          Institutional Policy

 

            A.        This institution will comply with all applicable provisions of the Animal Welfare Act and other Federal statutes and regulations relating to animals.

 

            B.        This institution is guided by the "U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training."

 

            C.        This institution acknowledges and accepts responsibility for the care and use of animals involved in activities covered by this Assurance.  As partial fulfillment of this responsibility this institution will make a reasonable effort to ensure that all individuals involved in the care and use of laboratory animals understand their individual and collective responsibilities for compliance with this Assurance as well as all other applicable laws and regulations pertaining to animal care and use.

 

            D.        This institution has established and will maintain a program for activities involving animals in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide).

 

III.         Institutional Program for Animal Care and Use

 

A.                 The lines of authority and responsibility for administering the program and ensuring compliance with this policy are:

 

    UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE

                                                      ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

                                                                       President

                                                              Chief Executive Officer

 

                                                        Vice President for Research

                                                           IACUC Institutional Official

 

 

Associate Vice President for Research                                                             Attending veterinarian

IACUC Operational Member for daily                                                            Inspect and report on facilities

committee activities, coordinates                                               Advise investigators/animal care personnel

screening of research proposals/                                                   Review and approve proposals/protocols

protocol approval, effects compliance                                          Provide training for animal care personnel

to PHS Animal Welfare Policy and                                                           Inspect facilities regularly, report

Animal Welfare Act                                                                             to Vice President, AVP and IACUC

 

 

  IACUC Chairperson

IACUC Members

  (list of names, titles, and credentials attached)

Review and approve proposals/protocols

and functions as outlined in PHS Animal Welfare Policy

and Animal Welfare Act

 

            B.        The qualifications, authority and responsibility of the veterinarian (attending veterinarian) who will participate in the program include:

 

                        Dr. Russell Wambeam, DVM

                        B.S. Veterinary Science, University of Minnesota, 1962

                        D.V.M., University of Minnesota, 1965

                        Mixed animal practitioner, 1965-1980

                        Small animal practitioner, 1970-1973

                        USDA APHIS VS, 1974-1979

                                    Animal Welfare Supervisor, Wyoming

                                    V.M.O. South-central Wyoming

                        Small animal practitioner, 1979-present

                        Licensed to practice, State of Wyoming

 

                        Percent of time contribution of attending veterinarian:  40% FTE

 

                        Functions and Responsibilities of the IACUC Attending Veterinarian:

 

                        The Attending Veterinarian will be a member of the University of Wyoming Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and will provide veterinary expertise to that body with regard to animal care and use.  The attending veterinarian or other designated veterinarian will officially inspect all animal facilities at the University of Wyoming approximately once a month to assure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.  A written report will be prepared after each official inspection and copies distributed to the Associate Vice President for Research, members of the IACUC, animal facility supervisors, and heads of departments using animals in teaching and research.

 

                        In consultation with researchers and staff of animal facilities, the attending veterinarian will make recommendations regarding animal husbandry and veterinary care, including developing and implementing guidelines for preventive medicine, quarantine procedures, health screening and physiological and nutritional stabilization.  The veterinarian will provide research personnel with guidelines concerning choice and use of drugs for anesthesia, analgesia and techniques of euthanasia.  Training will be provided for personnel in animal care, handling, surgical and post-surgical care.

 

                        Problems in animal health, behavior and well-being will be communicated directly to the attending veterinarian and appropriate veterinary care will be administered.  Unexpected animal deaths will be reported to the attending veterinarian and diagnostic studies will be conducted as necessary.

 

                        The attending veterinarian will be available to consult with researchers and animal care technicians about experimental procedures and techniques using animals, animal husbandry and animal welfare.

                       

            C.        This institution has established an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) which is qualified through the experience and expertise of its members to oversee the institution's animal program, facilities, and procedures.  The IACUC consists of at least five members, and its membership meets the compositional requirements set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.A.3.b.  The Chief Executive Officer of the Institution has appointed members to the IACUC.  Attached is a list of the names, position titles, earned degrees, other credentials, and institutional affiliation of the IACUC chairperson and members. 

 

            D.        The IACUC will:

           

                        1.         Review at least once every six months the institution's program for humane care and use of animals, using the Guide as a basis for evaluation.  The IACUC procedure for conducting semiannual program evaluations are: At a convened meeting, IACUC will review twice annually, within a six-month period of time from the previous review, the institution's program for humane care and use of animals.

 

                        2.         Inspect at least once every six months all of the institution's animal facilities (including satellite facilities) using the Guide as a basis for evaluation.  The IACUC procedures for conducting semiannual facility inspections are:  The IACUC will physically inspect at least once every six months all of the institution's animals facilities, including any satellite facilities where animals are housed and used for research or instructional purposes.  Inspections will be performed by on-site visits by a sub-committee of the IACUC including either the attending veterinarian or the institutional operational member.

 

                        3.         Prepare reports of the IACUC evaluations as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.B.3. and submit the reports to the Vice President for Research.  The IACUC process for developing reports and submitting them to the Institutional Official is: reports of the semi-annual IACUC program evaluations and facility inspections as required by IV.B.1 and 2. of the Policy will be prepared by the institutional operational member, signed by a majority of the IACUC members, and submitted to the Institutional Official.  Reports will include a description of the nature and extent of the institution's adherence to the Guide and PHS Policy and will identify specifically any departures from the provisions of the Guide and the PHS Policy, and the reasons for each departure.  The reports will distinguish significant deficiencies from minor deficiencies.  If deficiencies are noted, the reports will contain a reasonable and specific plan and schedule for correcting each deficiency.  Reports will include any minority views held by any member of the IACUC

 

                        4.         Review concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution.  The IACUC procedures for reviewing concerns are:  Instructions for reporting a concern or allegation of mistreatment of research animals or noncompliance with PHS policy or the Animal Welfare Act will be posted near institutional animal care facilities and on the institutional animal care world-wide-web site.  Anyone, including members of public or university community, may address a concern or complaint regarding allegations of mistreatment of research animals or noncompliance with PHS policy or the Animal Welfare Act, to any member of the IACUC, research staff, faculty researcher, department head, or Office of Research staff.  Complaints or allegations may be anonymous or identified.  If the complaintant is identified, receipt of the complaint will be acknowledged, but identity of the complaintant will held confidential to the extent possible.  Anyone receiving such a complaint or allegation will be obligated to report it to the attending veterinarian or institutional operational member (Associate Vice President for Research) for referral to the IACUC.  The attending veterinarian will conduct a preliminary investigation of the concern and procedure to correct the situation with the faculty researcher and animal care personnel.  Review of these concerns will take place at the semi-annual meeting of the IACUC or at a meeting of the IACUC called specifically for the purpose of reviewing a concern or allegation.  The IACUC will determine if further investigation and/or suspension of activity is warranted by the IACUC.  The IACUC may appoint a subcomittee to conduct the investigation.  The IACUC will report all investigations of mistreatment or noncompliance to the Institutional Officer.  If it is determined by the IACUC that a violation has occurred on a PHS sponsored activity, the Institutional Officer will report the allegation, investigation, and outcome to the OLAW.  Individuals reporting concerns to the IACUC will be protected against reprisal as required under the Animal Welfare Act.  The IACUC and Institutional Officer are fully aware that there can be no implication that reporting such instances could be detrimental to the complainant's standing at the institution.  If a complainant is known, that person will be notified that they will be protected from any discrimination or reprisal of any kind resulting from the allegation, and that they should report any perceived or real reprisal to the Institutional Officer.

 

                        5.         Make written recommendations to the Vice President for Research regarding any aspect of the institution's animal program, facilities, or personnel training.  The procedures for making recommendations to the Institutional Official are:  IACUC recommendations will be provided in writing to the Institutional Officer with copies of the correspondence to the animal care personnel and head of the department involved.

 

                        6.         Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval) or withhold approval of those activities related to the care and use of animals as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.C.  The IACUC procedures for protocol review are: Protocols for IACUC approval will be prepared by the investigator, signed and approved by the cognizant department head and submitted to the Associate Vice President for Research.  An expedited review process is employed.  Protocols will be reviewed and approved by the attending veterinarian, the IACUC Chairperson and the Associate Vice President for Research, as designated by the IACUC.  Investigators will be informed by the attending veterinarian or institutional operational member if modifications to the protocol are required to comply with PHS Policy, the Guide, or the Animal Welfare Act.  IACUC members will be informed of the protocol prior to approval and may request a copy of the full protocol for review or request full IACUC review.  Protocols will be reviewed in accordance with IV.C. of the PHS Policy.  If any member of the IACUC requests full IACUC review, the protocol will be reviewed at a convened meeting of the IACUC and approved after a majority vote of the quorum present.

 

                        7.         Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval) or withhold approval of proposed significant changes regarding the use of animals in ongoing activities as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.C.  The IACUC procedures for reviewing proposed significant changes in ongoing research projects are: Ongoing activities involving the use of animals in research will be reviewed annually during the project period following the same procedure outlined above for review and approval of new protocols.  Annual review and approval of proposed significant changes in approved protocols are submitted for review and approval on a protocol annual update form.  Annual review and approval of proposed significant changes follow the same procedure outlined in 6. above.

 

                        8.         Notify investigators and the institution in writing of its decision to approve or withhold approval of those activities related to the care and use of animals, or of modifications required to secure IACUC approval as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.C.4.  The IACUC procedures to notify investigators and the institution of its decisions regarding protocol review are:  Copies of signed, approved protocol forms are provided to the investigator, the sponsored projects office for file with corresponding grant proposal, if any, and the original is maintained by the Associate Vice President for Research Office.  Required modifications are described in writing and attached to the protocol form.  Investigators will be notified in writing if IACUC approval is withheld.

 

                        9.         Conduct continuing review of each previously approved, ongoing activity covered by PHS Policy at appropriate intervals as determined by the IACUC, including a complete review in accordance with the PHS Policy at IV.C. 1-4, at least once every three years.  The IACUC procedures for conducting continuing review are: Investigators will submit a protocol annual update form for IACUC review of ongoing activities annually; investigators will submit a full protocol describing continuing and ongoing activities for IACUC review every three years during the project period.  Annual review and complete review of continuing and ongoing activity will follow the procedure outlined in 6. above. 

 

10.             Be authorized to suspend an activity involving animals as set forth in the PHS Policy at IV.C.6.  The IACUC procedures for suspending an ongoing activity are:

The IACUC will be authorized to suspend an activity involving animals if it determines that the activity is not being conducted in accordance with applicable provisions of the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide, the Institution's assurance, or PHS Policy, in accordance with the specifications set forth in IV.C.6. of the PHS Policy.  An activity will be suspended only after review of the matter at a convened meeting of the IACUC where the majority of the quorum present votes in favor of a suspension. 

 

E.                 The individual(s) authorized by this institution to verify IACUC approval of those sections of applications and proposals related to the care and use of animals is the Associate Vice President for Research.

 

 

            F.         The Occupational Health Program for the Institution's personnel who work in laboratory animal facilities or have frequent contact with animals is as follows.

 

                        Prior to or during the first month of employment, all employees of the Institution who work in laboratory animal facilities or have substantial animal contact will provide a medical history and have a physical examination.  The Institution's Student Health Service or personal physician will provide physical examinations.  All employees working with laboratory animals will be required to have an up-to-date tetanus immunization.  Immunization for specific diseases will be required when substantial opportunity for exposure exists (i.e. rabies vaccination for selected personnel at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory). 

 

                        Personnel working with laboratory animals will be provided with an educational program early in their employment.  Training will include techniques in laboratory animal care and handling, zoonotic diseases, personal hygiene and methods for preventing and treating animal associated injuries.  Periodic courses in safety will be conducted through the Institution's Safety Office.

 

                        All on-the-job injuries, such as animal bites and scratches, will be reported to the appropriate department head.  Injuries that may require treatment will be referred to the University Student Health Service for immediate evaluation and treatment.  If treatment is not available, or is determined by Student Health Services to require more extensive treatment, injuries will be referred to the local hospital.  The Institution will assume costs not covered by Wyoming Worker's Compensation.

 

                        Records of unusual illness, bite wounds, and work assignments will be kept by the department employing the individual.  Pre- and post-employment sera may be banked for future diagnostic purposes at the discretion of the department.

 

                        Use of hazardous biological, chemical, and physical agents will be conducted and monitored in accordance with procedures developed by the Institution's Safety Office, the Radiological Safety Program, and the Centers for Disease Control/National Institutes of Health Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories.

 

            G.        The total gross number of square feet in each animal facility (including each satellite facility), the species of animals housed therein and the average daily inventory, by species, of animals in each facility is provided in the attached table.

 

            H.        The training or instruction available to scientists, animal technicians, and other personnel involved in animal care, treatment, or use are as follows.

 

                        1.         Personnel involved in animal care, treatment, and use will provide a verification of training for animal work form to verify workers' expertise and experience, and to identify areas where additional training and instruction by the attending veterinarian may be necessary.

 

                        2.         Personnel working with laboratory animals will be provided with an educational program early in their employment.  Training will include techniques in laboratory animal care and handling, zoonotic diseases, personal hygiene and methods for preventing and treating animal associated injuries.  Training will also include information on research and testing methods that minimize the numbers of animals required to obtain valid results, and minimize animal distress.  Periodic courses in safety will be conducted through the Institution's Safety Office.  Personnel are provided a copy of the Guide, and when applicable, The Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching.

 

                        3.         The attending veterinarian will meet at least annually with the staff and scientists of each animal care unit to review procedures, qualifications, and provide training and instruction.  Instruction will include information on research and testing methods that minimize the numbers of animals required to obtain valid results, and minimize animal distress.  Scientists will be referred to the resource library and bibliographic reference lists available on campus for additional methods.

 

                        4.         A course in lab animal management instructed by the attending veterinarian is offered for credit each semester.  Animal caretakers are informed of the course and encouraged to attend.  Animal personnel may register for the course for credit, or audit the full course or specific lecture periods. 

 

5.                  A resource library is available to investigators and animal

            personnel.

 

6.                  The attending veterinarian is available for individual instruction at

            all times.

 

                        7.         Participation in any of the training opportunities described above is recorded and maintained in the Office of Research.  Registration in courses for credit is on file in the University's Registrar's Office as well.  Certifications of completion of training will be provided.

 

 

IV.        Institutional Status:    CATEGORY 2

 

            As specified in the PHS Policy at IV.A.2, as Category 2, all of this institution's programs and facilities (including satellite facilities) for activities involving animals have been evaluated by the IACUC and will be reevaluated by the IACUC at least once every six months in accordance with IV.B.1 and 2. Of the PHS Policy and reports prepared in accordance with IV.B.3. of the PHS Policy. 

 

            All IACUC semiannual reports will include a description of the nature and extent of this institution's adherence to the Guide.  Any departures from the Guide will be identified specifically and reasons for each departure will be stated.  Where program or facility deficiencies are noted, the report will contain a reasonable and specific plan and schedule for correcting each deficiency. Reports will distinguish significant deficiencies from minor deficiencies.  Semiannual reports of the IACUC evaluation will be submitted to the Institutional Official, the Vice President for Research.  Semiannual reports of IACUC evaluations will be maintained by this institution and made available to OLAW upon request.  The most recent semiannual report of the IACUC is attached.

 

 

V.        Recordkeeping Requirements

 

            A.        The institution will maintain for at least three years:

 

                        1.         A copy of this Assurance and any modifications thereto, as approved by PHS.

 

                        2.         Minutes of IACUC meetings, including records of attendance, activities of the committee, and committee deliberations.

 

                        3.         Records of applications, proposals, and proposed significant changes in the care and use of animals and whether IACUC approval was given or withheld.

 

                        4.         Records of semiannual IACUC reports and recommendations as forwarded to the Institutional Official, the Vice President for Research.

 

                        5.         Records of accrediting body determinations.

 

            B.        This institution will maintain records that relate directly to applications, proposals, and proposed changes in ongoing activities reviewed and approved by the IACUC for the duration of the activity and for an additional three years after completion of the activity.

 

            C.        All records shall be accessible for inspection and copying by authorized OLAW or other PHS representatives at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner.

 

 

VI.        Reporting Requirements

 

            A.        At least once every 12 months, the IACUC, through the Institutional Official, will report in writing to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW):

 

                        1.         Any change in the status of the institution (e.g., if the institution becomes accredited by AAALAC or AAALAC accreditation is revoked), any change in the description of the institution's program for animal care and use as described in this Assurance, or any changes in IACUC membership.  If there are no changes to report, this institution will submit a letter to OLAW stating that there are no changes.

 

                        2.         the date that the IACUC conducted its semiannual evaluations of the institution's program and facilities (including satellite facilities) and submitted the evaluations to the Vice President for Research.

 

            B.        The IACUC, through the Institutional Official, will provide the OLAW promptly with a full explanation of the circumstances and actions taken with respect to:

 

                        1.         any serious or continuing noncompliance with the PHS Policy.

 

                        2.         any serious deviations from the Provisions of the Guide.

 

                        3.         any suspension of an activity by the IACUC.

 

            C.        Reports filed under VI.A. and VI.B. above shall include any minority views filed by members of the IACUC.

 

 

 

VII.       Institutional Endorsement and PHS Approval

 

            A.        Authorized Institutional Official

           

                        Name:             William A. Gern

                        Title:                Vice President for Research

                        Address:        University of Wyoming

                                                P.O. Box 3355

                                                Laramie, WY  82071-3355

 

                        Phone:            (307) 766-5353

                        Fax:                 (307) 766-2608

 

 

                        Signature:      ________________________________ Date: __________

 

 

            B.        PHS Approving Official

 

                        Name:                        

                        Title:               

                        Address:        Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare

                                                National Institutes of Health

                                                6705 Rockledge Drive-RKL1, Suite 360, MSC7982

                                                Bethesda, Maryland  20892-7982

                       

                        Phone:            (301) 496-7163

 

 

                        Signature:      _______________________________   Date: __________

 

 

            C.        Effective date of assurance:                        __________________________

 

            D.        Expiration date of assurance:                      __________________________