Overview
The Maine Medical Center Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
(IACUC) is a standing committee that reviews research and other activities
involving animals to ensure that they are justified by their benefits
and minimize any animal pain or suffering. Maine Medical Center staff
or attending physicians using animals in biomedical research or teaching
must have IACUC approval to do so.
The
IACUC regularly inspects all projects using animals and all projects
housing animals along with the Attending Veterinarian and Animal
Facility Manager. The Attending Veterinarian and Animal Facility
Manager provide for and disseminate information on the care, health
and well-being of animals at Maine Medical Center through the Animal
Users Group. The
MMCRI Animal Research Program maintains Full Accreditation from the Association
for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International
(AAALAC). More information regarding AAALAC may be found at AAALAC
Facts.
All
activities proposed to involve the care and use of live vertebrate
animals must be reviewed and receive written, unconditional approval
from the IACUC before commencing. This
policy applies to ALL activities proposed to involve the care and
use of live vertebrate animals, regardless of funding.
The
IACUC meets at least six times per year. Meeting
dates and times will be announced in advance of the meetings.
All
applications for review and correspondence with the IACUC should
be directed to the Research Compliance Office at MMCRI. For
forms, application information, administration concerns and general
inquiries please see Forms, Frequently
Asked Questions, or Contact Us.
