UACC Communication Bulletin - Spring 2021

UACC Testing of Research Biologics for Pathogens

 Policy on Testing of Research Biologics for Pathogens (PDF 43 KB)
Standard 3 year policy review.  Updated to clarify:

• that research biologics must not be introduced into animals without prior approval from the UACC (rather than previously noted consultation with the University Veterinarian);
• that if research biologics are contaminated or the PI elects not to test the biological material, rodents must be housed within the Level 2 biohazard facility (a process approved in the past but not clearly outlined in the policy); 
• links to the two acceptable testing labs  (Charles River Laboratory and Idexx BioAnalytics)

UACC Policy on Visitors Within Animal Facilities 

 Policy on Visitors Within Animal Facilities (PDF 48 KB)
Standard 3 year policy review without substantial change. Updated to:

• replace the term facility manager with individual responsible for managing the facility
• reference the anonymous compliance reporting tool found on website 

UACC Policy on Wildlife Permits

 Policy on Wildlife Permits (PDF 214 KB)
Standard 3 year policy review. Updated to:  

• clarify that investigators should contact the appropriate authority for the most up-to-date permit requirements, as regulations may change over time 
• clarify that investigators must ensure their use of live animals is in accordance with permit terms, conditions, and guidelines. 
• align the Canadian regulatory and legislative appendix resources with revised CCAC content

UACC Policy on Confidentiality and Member Agreement

 Policy on Confidentiality & Member Agreement (PDF 76 KB)
Standard 3 year policy review. Updated to:

• require an e-signature in place of manual signature
• remove the need for a witness
• include a yearly signature requirement for all committee members

UACC Policy on Activities Involving Live Animals 

 Policy on Activities Involving Live Animals (PDF 38 KB)
Standard 3 year policy review without substantial change. Whether and how they are made aware of animal activities on campus, is up to the discretion of each animal care committee. This policy has served the UACC well and encourages awareness of animals on campus that may pose a zoonotic risk to human health. The UACC Subcommittee reviews numerous requests annually, therefore the policy will remain in place. 

UACC Policy on Recovery Surgery Scheduling 

 Policy on Recovery Surgery Scheduling (PDF 58 KB)
Standard 3 year policy review without substantial change other than updates to the CALAM, Standards of Veterinary Care statement “Veterinary programs must maintain vigilance over experimental or other conditions that may lead to pain and distress for animals”.

UACC Policy on Principal Investigator Responsibility

 Policy on Principal Investigator Responsibility (PDF 34 KB)
Standard 3 year policy review without substantial change other than minor adjustments for consistency with CCAC terminology.

•  SOP 7.17 Acute DSS Colitis (Mice) (PDF 109 KB)
•  SOP 7.18 Chronic DSS Colitis (PDF 111 KB))
•  SOP 10.17 Acute DSS Colitis (Rats) (PDF 74 KB)
•  SOP 10.18 Chronic DSS Colitis (Rats) (PDF 75 KB)
• SOP 13.6 - Swine Anesthesia and Analgesia
• SOP 13.7 - Swine Endotracheal Intubation

 UACC Terms of Reference (PDF 89 KB)
The Terms of Reference for the UACC underwent a thorough cleanup to ensure consistent language and appropriate references to policies (both institutional and CCAC). No significant changes to the scope of the document were made. 

 UACC Procedures (PDF 89 KB)
The Procedures of the UACC underwent a thorough cleanup to ensure consistent language and appropriate references to policies and procedures (both institutional and CCAC). No significant changes to the scope of the document were made other than ensuring it reflected updated practices due to various institutional and CCAC updates over the past 4 years. The end goal for this document is to replace it in its entirety with SOP's covering the individual UACC procedures
 

In order to provide additional guidance and training to certified institutions regarding animal care committees and their members' roles, the CCAC published the Animal Care Committee and the Role of Its Members. While information related to this topic is currently available in a number of CCAC documents, including the CCAC policy statement on: terms of reference for animal care committees, the CCAC policy statement for: senior administrators responsible for animal care and use programs, and the CCAC/CFHS Manual for Community Representatives, the CCAC hopes that this comprehensive document will help animal care committees train and recruit new members for their institutional committees. 

Read CACC news release

The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) published the CCAC Strategic Plan 2021-2026. In order to achieve the four identified goals, the CCAC is developing an expanded implementation plan with the objective to improve communication, engagement, and feedback. Within this survey they solicited primary stakeholder feedback around their communication goals and improvements to their tools and activities.

Read CACC news release

The CCAC guidelines: Animal welfare assessment, along with its implementation document were distributed. This document is part of a series of general guidelines documents that streamline information for investigators, animal care committees, facility managers, veterinarians, technicians, and animal care personnel to help facilitate improvements in both the care given to animals and the manner in which experimental procedures are carried out. It is based on expert peer advice and current interpretation of scientific evidence and has received extensive peer review. 

Read CACC news release

• Fall 2020/Winter2021