UACC Communication Bulletin - Spring 2021

UACC Policies

UACC Testing of Research Biologics for Pathogens


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  ( and )

UACC Policy on Visitors Within Animal Facilities 


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


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


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 


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 


Standard 3 year policy review without substantial change other than updates to the CALAM, Standards of Veterinary Care statement 鈥淰eterinary programs must maintain vigilance over experimental or other conditions that may lead to pain and distress for animals鈥.

UACC Policy on Principal Investigator Responsibility


Standard 3 year policy review without substantial change other than minor adjustments for consistency with CCAC terminology.

Standard Operating Procedures

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  • SOP 13.6 - Swine Anesthesia and Analgesia
  • SOP 13.7 - Swine Endotracheal Intubation

UACC Updates

 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
 

Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) Updates

In order to provide additional guidance and training to certified institutions regarding animal care committees and their members' roles, the CCAC published the . While information related to this topic is currently available in a number of CCAC documents, including the , the , and the , the CCAC hopes that this comprehensive document will help animal care committees train and recruit new members for their institutional committees. 

The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) published the . 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.

The , 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. 

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