Federal regulations are very clear that all animal activities must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Activities refer to those components of research, teaching or testing that involve care and use of animals. Once a protocol expires no activities can be performed on those animals. Federal requirements are also very clear that administrative extensions cannot be made on expiry dates (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/faqs.htm#proto_2).
Further guidance has been issued on what costs are allowable in relation to non performance e.g. when there are no approved or supporting animal use protocols (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-044.html).
To avoid having animals not covered by a protocol residing at Colorado State University, the Research Integrity and Compliance Review Office sends two courtesy reminders to Principal Investigators at three and two months before expiry of an animal use protocol. This allows sufficient time for the investigator to submit a renewal or a new protocol, and have it reviewed by the IACUC. It is the responsibility of the investigator to ensure that all animals belonging to them are covered by an approved protocols.
In the event that the protocols are not renewed in a timely manner, the University Veterinarian will assume control of these animals and determine the best course of action to assure that Colorado State University complies with federal requirements. The possible options include: transferring custody of the animals to the Director of Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) to assume day to day management of the animals according to LAR’s standard operating procedures; transfer of animals to another investigator or protocol if appropriate to avoid loss of valuable resources; or disposition of the animals as dictated by state or other applicable rules and policies. LAR will provide husbandry and veterinary medical care for all animals transferred to their control as appropriate. Investigators will continue to be responsible for any expenses incurred in providing care for animals that remain after a protocol expires, including those associated with transferring to other investigators protocols or final disposition.
Last updated July 7th, 2009