Staffing Update
We’re excited to announce that Sherri Evans has joined UVM as the new Assistant Director for the IACUC/IBC/CSC! Sherri started in early June, and we’re thrilled to have her on board. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!
AAALAC Site Visit Success
We’re pleased to share some great news:
The University of Vermont has successfully met the criteria for continued Full Accreditation with AAALAC International!
This achievement reflects our institution’s ongoing commitment to the highest standards of animal care and use in research. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this successful outcome!
Reminder: Testing of Biological Materials
To maintain the integrity of research and animal health, the IACUC and the Office of Animal Care Management remind all researchers to re-evaluate biological materials derived from or passaged through rodents. For murine-origin lines, the following testing options are approved:
- RADIL (University of Missouri) – IMPACT test
- Taconic Laboratories (Frederick, MD) – RapidMAP-21 test
- Charles River Laboratories (Wilmington, MA) – Mouse Essential PCR Panel
Note: Labs are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of testing. Results must be submitted to the Office of Animal Care Management.
New Training Opportunity: 3Rs Certificate Course
UVM has added a new 3Rs Certificate Course to its CITI training offerings. This course explores the ethical use of animals in science and emphasizes the 3Rs principles:
- Refinement – Minimizing animal distress
- Reduction – Using fewer animals without compromising results
- Replacement – Using alternatives to animal models when possible
To enroll, go to your CITI profile, select “Add a New Course,” and check the 3Rs Certificate option. 📺 Watch this short video to learn more.
Policy & Procedure Updates
The following IACUC policies and procedures have been recently reviewed and updated:
Section 5.6 Drug Formulary for Research Animals at UVM - The Formulary referenced for the Veterinarian Verification and Consultation process has been updated and is available in the IACUC P&P Manual as well as the OACM website.
Section 15.17 Reporting Animal Deaths - Procedural clarifications for reporting unexpected animal deaths.
Section 15.23 Use of Expired Medical Materials Policy and Guidelines - Added guidance on appropriate expiration dates for reconstituted drugs and compounds.
Section 15.34 Sanitation Validation of Equipment in Laboratory Spaces - Revised to include guidance on swab acquisition for sanitation testing.