Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the IACUC and what do they do?

   1. IACUC stands for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
   2. The IACUC is a standing committee at USM that oversees the ethical and appropriate care, treatment and use of laboratory and research animals.

2. I am applying for IACUC approval for the first time, what forms do I need to fill out?

   1. You will need to fill out and submit an Animal Study Proposal Form plus any supporting documentation that is asked for or is required for the completion of your research.

3. Where or to whom should I submit my forms too?

   1. You should submit all materials and questions to the Office of Research Compliance (ORC) in electronic format whenever possible.
   2. Send email to aaorc@usm.maine.edu. The ORC is located at 178 Science Building, Portland Campus, where a Drop Box located on the wall at the entrance to the New Science Wing.

4. How long is IACUC approval good for?

   1. One year (365 day approval), with an IACUC Progress Report.  The schedule for review is below:
• New Submission
• 1st Year Progress Report (Due 1 month prior to expiration)
• 2nd Year Progress Report (Due 1 month prior to expiration)
• 3rd Year Progress Report (Due 1 month prior to expiration) If study is completed at the end of the 3rd year, please submit a Request for Completion form.  If study will be continued at the end of the 3rd year, please submit a de novo.
• de novo (Full Submission) - due 30 days prior to the end of the 3rd year expiration date.

5. I have to increase the number of animals I need for my research. What do I need to do?

1. You will need to fill out a Request to Increase Usage form and submit it by email to the ORC, aaorc@usm.maine.edu.

1. What should I do if my project is going to last longer than my approval period?

   1. You will need to submit an IACUC Progress Report at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the protocol’s approval period.

2. What should I do when my research project is finished?

   1. You will need to file an IACUC Study Completion Form and submit it by email to the ORC, aaorc@usm.maine.edu.

3. Where may I go to get more information about the appropriate care and treatment of research animals?

   1. Contact the Animal Facility Manager
   2. Contact the Chair of the IACUC
   3. Go to the following website: Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare

4. What do I need to do if my research includes the use of biological agents or radioactive materials?

   1. If your research involves biological agents that are potentially harmful to people, use rDNA, may be airborne transmitted to other animals, or is classified as a Select Agent you will need Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) approval prior to receiving IACUC approval. You may file both applications at the same time.
   2. If your research involves radioactive materials of any type, you will need Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) approval prior to receiving IACUC approval.

5. What is a transgenic animal?

   1. A transgenic animal is any animal that has, or will have, a man-made alteration (induced mutation) to its genetic code. These animals are typically developed in order to study the over-expression or under-expression of a specific gene. Transgenic animals typically do not include animals that have spontaneous or naturally (non-research based) occurring mutations.

6. If I am planning on using transgenic animals in my research what special requirements should I follow?

   1. If your research involves transgenic animals you will need IBC approval prior to receiving IACUC approval. You may file both applications at the same time.