Does everyone named on an Animal Study Protocol Application have to be skilled in every procedure planned?

The individuals listed on the protocol application must be trained and qualified to perform their specific duties. For example, if they are not part of the surgical team, there is no need for them to have those specific skills. However, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) must ensure that the individuals listed are trained and qualified in their specific responsibilities and require the PIs to list each individual's responsibilities in the protocol. This information allows the IACUC to check (e.g. Health and Safety training database, species-specific training, etc.) that each given individual has received the proper/required training (and has been deemed proficient) in their assigned tasks.

I'm going to have some summer technicians helping out. Is there anything I need to do related to the IACUC protocol application?

Yes. As the principal investigator (PI), you must submit a modification (Protocol Amendment form) adding any personnel that will be involved in your IACUC study. Personnel to be added must:

• Complete required Health and Safety and species-specific training BEFORE engaging in any activity involving live vertebrate animals;
• Submit the Occupational Health Evaluation and OHSP Risk Inventory forms to the Attending Veterinarian (Dr. Fyke, B104 NCNPR) for review and approval by the Occupational Health Physician;
• Read the asthma and allergy for animal handlers materials;  
• Sign and submit a memo to the Animal Facility Supervisor verifying that you have read the asthma and allergy materials and are aware of and understand the hazards and risk of exposure to laboratory animals; and
• Check to make sure your tetanus vaccination is current. The Centers for Disease Control recommends tetanus vaccinations every ten years, and the IACUC strongly urges personnel to get this free vaccination. (The ORSP Division of Research Integrity and Compliance will pay the $45.00 fee.) Contact the IACUC staff for assistance (915-7482 or askiacuc@research.olemiss.edu).

I need to trap animals in the spring for a series of metabolism studies in the fall. Since I don't plan on doing any experiments until fall, can I wait and complete the Health and Safety and species-specific training after I finish trapping?

No. Health and Safety and species-specific training must be completed BEFORE engaging in any activity involving live vertebrate animals. Additionally, you must have an IACUC approved protocol for all animal research conducted at, by, or under the auspices of The University of Mississippi before the research begins.

I will be observing animals in their natural habitat and don’t plan on having any contact or conducting any experiments with them. Do I need to complete any training?

No. However, it is recommended you contact the IACUC Research Compliance Specialist (915-5006 or vcantu@olemiss.edu) or the Attending Veterinarian (915-5324 or hfyke@olemiss.edu) before beginning any animal related activity.