Under certain circumstances, additional paperwork is required when conducting human subject research. If you are using human blood, other fluids, or tissue in your research, you must, in addition to the IRB application, contact the Institutional Biosafety Committee(IBC), Dr. Mike Mossing, Chair, at 915-5339, email: mmossing@olemiss.edu, for review and approval of the research protocol. Final IRB approval is contingent upon IBC approval.
NOTE: Most of the following are linked to websites. If you have a problem finding the information you need, contact the Animal Facility or IACUC Office.
Animals must have a continuous supply of potable water. The water supply to all animal facilities on campus is obtained from the City of Oxford’s chlorinated/fluorinated water supply. Water bottles are used to provide water to most species. Water bottles and sanitized containers may be used to transport water from one facility that has water to another that does not. Facility entry orders should be observed whenever possible. If the entire campus is without water, potable water should be obtained from a commercial source.
Temperature problems include animal rooms which are too hot or too cold, as defined by the AF parameters for housing each species. Minor temperature variances (which involve only a room or two, and are not a short-term threat to animal health) are dealt with by the on-call Supervisor. Serious variances (which involve large portions of facilities, endanger animal health, or are likely to be prolonged) are communicated to the Director.
The major problems to be overcome in the event of a severe snowstorm or blizzard are related to receiving animals and supplies, and having sufficient personnel get to the campus to care for animals. Other effects of snow storms are handled as indicated in the following sections:
In the event of protests or picketing (by animal rights groups, for example) or a work stoppage, all AF personnel are to report to work as usual. In doing so, they are to avoid confrontations if they pass through picket lines or protest marchers. The University Public Relations specialists handle the dissemination of information and answer questions about our research. University Police handle security. AF should request increased security measures for all animal housing and support facilities and may participate in keeping all facilities secure.
Loss of communication systems may interfere with animal ordering, recordkeeping, and notification of emergencies. In the event of a communications system loss, priority is given to communications which directly effect animal health or well-being. Alternatives which may be considered include use of other systems which are functioning (if the paging system is down but phones are working, phone calls or emails may temporarily substitute). For extreme animal health crises (e.g., reporting a seriously ill animal) hand-delivered messages can be used.
The following indicates actions to be taken if animal facilities are flooded. If flooding affects the surrounding area, but not the facilities themselves, actions should follow those outlined under Section 25.12 - Snow Storm/Blizzard/Ice Storm.
In the event of an evacuation of animal facilities, AF personnel are to gather at the predetermined regrouping site, which is the porch outside the Office of Health and Safety, or outside the entrance to the UM Vivarium Receiving Dock.