The federal Animal Welfare Act (administered by the USDA) and regulations of the Department of Health and Human Services (including PHS) require training and continuing education for all scientists, research technicians, and animal care technicians and others involved with animal care and use. These laws and regulations require that the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) as an agent of the University of Notre Dame, determine that personnel wishing to conduct procedures on animals or animal tissues are qualified and trained to do so on the animal species proposed. To fulfill this responsibility, the following mandatory training program has been developed.
Introductory Training Program:
All staff, faculty and students that are involved in the care or use of
animals for research, utilizing animal tissues or listed on an animal
protocol
at the University of Notre Dame are required to participate in the
Introductory
Training Program. The program includes web based training
at
www.aalaslearninglibrary.com or the use of LATA (Laboratory Animal
Training
Association) videos. To schedule video training and Occupational
Health click on the button below:
For instructions on accessing and documenting online training click on the button below:
Level 1 Training - Required of all persons
listed on an animal use protocol
The Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
- LATA video course OR
“Working with the IACUC” - free web course
Level 2 Training - Required for all persons
using Mice, Rats, Hamsters, or Gerbils
The Humane Care and Use of the Laboratory
Mouse, Rat, and Hamster - LATA Video courseweb course OR
“Introduction to Research Animal
Methodologies”
"Introduction to (insert species)" - free web course
Level 3 Training - Required for all persons
using Rabbits or Guinea Pigs
The Humane Care and Use of the Laboratory
Guinea Pig and Rabbit - LATA video course OR
“Introduction to Research Animal
Methodologies”
"Introduction to (insert species)" - free web course
Level 4 Training - Required for all persons
using NHP
Working Safely with Non-Human Primates - A
video course OR
“Introduction to Research Animal
Methodologies”
"Introduction to Non Human Primates" - free web course
Level 5 Training - Required for all persons
using Fish
The Humane Care and Use of the Laboratory
Fish - a LATA video course
Level 6 Training - Required for all persons
using Frogs
“Introduction to Research Animal
Methodologies”
"Introduction to Amphibians" - free web course
After viewing the videos appropriate to the type of animals being used, a written multiple-choice test is given. A score of 75% is required to pass for each video test. A certificate will be given when the test(s) have been successfully passed. The Technical Services and Training Coordinator will examine the test in the event of a failing score. Remediation will be given to those who score under 75%. A list of persons that have taken and passed the test(s) (LATA or web based) will be made available to the IACUC for verification of training when protocols are reviewed.
Procedure Specific Training Program:
The Technical Services and Training
Coordinator
will provide access to training specific to procedures in IACUC-
approved
protocols. This may consist of videos, auto-tutorials, or
hands-on
training with the Attending Veterinarian or Registered Veterinary
Technician.
The main areas addressed in protocol-specific
training are:
Aseptic Surgical Techniques and
Post-Operative
Care
Surgical Techniques
Anesthesia Choices and Monitoring
Euthanasia Methods
Restraint, Injection and Blood Withdrawal Methods
The IACUC requires documentation of
proficiency
for survival surgical procedures, retro-orbital injections, and
decapitation.
The Attending Veterinarian or Technical Services & Training
Coordinator
will observe individuals and document proficiency for the IACUC.
