The IACUC Handbook

Ever since its establishment by USDA regulation in the mid-1980s, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee has evolved as the premier instrument of animal welfare oversight within research institutions in the U.S. Its mission, in part, is to ensure that investigators, research technicians, animal care personnel and others are adequately trained to conduct research with animals in a proper and humane manner. But equally important is that the IACUC itself be adequately trained with regard to the successful interpretation and implementation of regulations and guidelines for proper animal care and use.

The IACUC Handbook focuses on both basic and advanced concerns of those who participate in activities of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees. Exhaustive in its content and written by leading authorities in the field, this handbook addresses those questions and problems that often confront IACUCs, and gives accurate, succinct answers. Information is provided in "Question and Answer" format, with the authors offering their personal opinions against a background of regulatory information.

Under the "regulatory " heading, pertinent sections from such sources as the Animal Welfare Act and its regulations, the Health Research Extension Act of 1985, the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and others are included. The handbook also provides the personal opinions of chapter authors and results from informal surveys as examples of the approaches institutions have taken to solve complex issues. While not scientific, the surveys provide the reader with additional opinions.

With the role and impact of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee expected to grow in scope and complexity, The IACUC Handbook provides a foundation for those attempting to understand and implement the many and varied responsibilities of this committee.

"Finally a much needed text that deals with issues facing Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees is available. The editors and chapter contributors have provided an excellent reference book for IACUC administrators, chairpersons and laboratory animal professionals alike. It is a long-awaited manuscript to assist with the resolution of problems that face many Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees. Its 'question and answer' format is very usefulan extremely well written reference that should be included in the training of all personnel that are involved with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees. It is a text that can be referenced for a plethora of issues that face these committeesan indispensable book in our field" -Laboratory Animal Practitioner, March 2002 "This reasonably priced book would be a valuable addition to the library of any IACUC, aiding in semi-annual assessments of the operation and compliance of the IACUC and in training new members in their role in and the function of the IACUC." -David M. Moore, D.V.M., M.S., DACLAM in American Journal of Veterinary Research