IG006: IACUC Required Training for Use of Animals
IACUC Guideline Number: IG006, Approved By: IACUC, 7/9/2026, Version: 5
Purpose:
This guideline specifies the IACUC training requirements for individuals involved in the care and use of animals at Michigan State University (MSU).
Background:
The institution is responsible for ensuring that all personnel involved in the care, treatment, or use of animals are adequately trained and/or qualified to perform their assigned duties. Federal regulations and guidance require research facilities to provide education and training opportunities to personnel engaged in animal care and use. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) must confirm that personnel working with animals and listed on protocols have the appropriate training. The protocol will not be approved until all required training is completed.
Definitions:
- Personnel: Individuals who are listed on an IACUC-approved protocol and who participate in research, teaching, training, breeding, testing, or other activities involving live vertebrate animals at MSU.
- “Working With” Animals: For the purpose of IACUC training requirements, “working with animals” includes any activity involving live vertebrate animals or direct animal care activities, regardless of frequency or duration of contact. This includes, but is not limited to, direct handling, restraint, or manipulation of animals; performance or support of procedures conducted on animals; behavioral observation conducted as part of an approved protocol; and animal husbandry or daily care activities performed in research, teaching, or centralized animal or livestock facilities, including tasks such as feeding, watering, sanitation, and cage or rack changes. This definition applies to both individuals listed on IACUC protocols and animal care staff whose duties involve routine interaction with or care of animals.
Guideline:
All personnel involved in the animal care and use program, including those listed on animal use protocols, must complete appropriate training to ensure they are knowledgeable about their responsibilities when working with animals in research, teaching, and training activities. Approval of the protocol will be held until all training has been completed. To access training go to the Animal Care Program Training webpage.
Required Training
| Course Title | Required For | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Working with the IACUC – Investigators, Staff and Students | -All individuals listed on protocols -CAR Staff and Livestock Center Staff -IACUC Staff and IACUC Members |
Once |
| Working with the IACUC Refresher | Same as initial course listed above | Every 3 Years |
| Biosafety and Security: General | -All individuals listed on protocols -CAR Staff and Livestock Center Staff |
Once |
| Biosafety and Security: Animal and Invertebrates | -All individuals listed on protocols -CAR Staff and Livestock Center Staff |
Annually |
| Biohazardous waste | -All individuals listed on protocols -CAR Staff and Livestock Center Staff |
Annually |
| Aseptic Surgery | All individuals listed on protocols performing or assisting with survival surgery | Once Every 3 Years |
Species-Specific Courses Required
| Course Title | Required For | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Working with Amphibians in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with amphibians and MSU staff responsible for amphibian care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Birds in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with birds and MSU staff responsible for bird care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Cats in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with cats and MSU staff responsible for cat care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Cattle in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with cattle and MSU staff responsible for cattle care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Dogs in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with dogs and MSU staff responsible for dog care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Ferrets in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with ferrets and MSU staff responsible for ferret care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Fish in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with fish and MSU staff responsible for fish care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Guinea Pigs in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with guinea pigs and MSU staff responsible for guinea pig care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Hamsters in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with hamsters and MSU staff responsible for hamster care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Horses in Agricultural Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with horses and MSU staff responsible for horse care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Mice in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with mice and MSU staff responsible for mouse care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Poultry in Agricultural Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with poultry (including chickens, turkeys, ducks) and MSU staff responsible for poultry care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Rabbits in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with rabbits and MSU staff responsible for rabbit care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Rats in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with rats and MSU staff responsible for rat care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Reptiles in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with reptiles (including lizards, snakes, turtles) and MSU staff responsible for reptile care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Sheep and Goats in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with sheep or goats and MSU staff responsible for sheep or goat care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Swine in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with swine and MSU staff responsible for swine care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Working with Zebrafish (Danio rerlo) in Research Settings | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with zebrafish and MSU staff responsible for zebrafish care and husbandry | Every 3 Years |
| Wildlife Research | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with wildlife | Every 3 Years |
| Non-Traditional Species | Individuals listed on IACUC protocols working with non-traditional species that are not listed above | Once |
Optional Courses
| Course | Required For | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Reducing Pain and Distress in Laboratory Mice and Rats | Optional | N/A |
| Regulation of food-producing animals used in research | Optional | N/A |
| Working with Genetically Modified Mice in Research Settings | Optional | N/A |
| Hands-on training for biomethodology is offered for a variety of species. Please see our website for additional details. | Optional | N/A |