Skip to main content

IG013: Guidance on the Reuse of MSU Owned Animals for Teaching, Training, and Research

IACUC Guideline Number: IG013, Approved By: IACUC, Approval Date: 7/11/2024, Version: 1

Under the Animal Welfare Act, which is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an animal use protocol is required for animals used in teaching, training, and research. Animal use should be guided by the fundamental principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement), and alternatives explored to minimize animal use. When reusing MSU-owned animals for teaching, training, or research, it is required to maintain documentation of their reuse. This information should be discussed and reviewed periodically by the Attending Veterinarian.

Reuse of MSU Owned Animals for Teaching, Training, and Research

Clinical procedures that are performed on an animal for health reasons are not counted as a reuse procedure.

The following should be considered whenever animals are being reused.

  • Animals must be in appropriate health for the procedure they will be receiving.
  • Overuse of animals must be avoided.
  • Frequency of animal use should be reviewed by the Principal Investigator requesting use prior to each teaching/training event.
  • Documentation of animal reuse should include the following information: animal used, procedure(s) performed and date of procedure(s).
  • An adequate rest period is needed between procedures if an animal shows signs of agitation or distress.
  • Routine procedures (e.g., physical examinations) that do not cause pain or distress may be performed without specific limits.
  • Animal use protocols involving reuse of animals must include the following:
    • Number of procedures that may be performed on one animal.
    • The length of rest period between procedures.
    • The number of students handling an animal for a teaching protocol must be indicated and justified.
    • Scientific justification for reuse.
    • When performing multiple procedures, the number of procedures performed in a single day must be limited, clearly defined, and justified.
    • Performing multiple procedures on one animal without a rest period must be avoided.
    • For procedures causing more than momentary pain and/or distress, the use of appropriate analgesia, and/or sedation/anesthesia should be included in the animal use protocol.

If there are any questions regarding the intended use of an animal, please contact iacuc@msu.edu for additional information.

References

Cavalieri J, et al. Guidelines for the use and reuse of animals for teaching within veterinary medical education programs. Clinical Theriogenology 15: 29-37, 2023.

MacLeay JM.  Large Animal Handling at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. JVME 34(5): 550-553, 2007.

AAVMC Task Force on the Use of Animals in Veterinary Education Guidelines for the Use of Animals in Veterinary Education. Washington, DC: American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. 2022.