What are Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs)?
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) are oversight bodies mandated by the AWA. These committees review and approve research protocols involving animals to ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards. IACUCs evaluate factors such as the rationale for animal use, the choice of species, and the number of animals needed. They also assess the procedures for minimizing pain and distress and ensure that alternatives to animal use have been considered.