NUMBER:   ACAF 5.05

SECTION:  Academic Affairs    


SUBJECT:  Inspection of USC Animal Facilities by Non-USC Personnel


DATE:     February 1, 1995

Latest Revision: January 13, 2005
                     

Policy for:     Columbia and Regional Campuses 

Procedure for:  Columbia and Regional Campuses 

Authorized by:  Mark P. Becker

Issued by:      Provost's Office



________________________________________________________________

I.   Policy

A.   The University accepts an ethical and scientific

responsibility to provide humanely for the welfare of all animals

used in education and research at USC.  The University recognizes

that the public has a concern for the welfare and well-being of

the animals, and that members of the university, representatives

of the public such as media organizations, and individual

citizens may desire to visit the animal holding facilities to

observe animal care activities.

B.   The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) has

oversight over the care and use of animals at the University. 

The IACUC membership includes at least one community member who

is not affiliated with the university to represent the concerns

and interests of the local community.  It also will include among

its members; a USC student, an animal care technologist, and a 

non-scientist. The IACUC reviews the animal care program and inspects 

the facilities semi-annually.

C.   Maintenance of an unlimited open door policy in the animal

facilities is not compatible with good animal husbandry or

research.  Many animals are sensitive to changes in their daily

routine; therefore, the presence of strangers may cause them

distress and physiological stress.  Research projects frequently

require close control of variables.  Changes in routine or

unusual occurrences can cause changes in blood pressure, hormone

levels and other parameters which may confuse research data. 

Most USC animals are bred and cared for under strict hygienic

conditions to maintain their disease-free status.  Visitors may

inadvertently introduce bacteria or viruses into the animal

facility which could compromise the disease-free state.  Some

animals may carry zoonotic organisms which may be dangerous to 

humans; therefore, access to these animals are strictly limited.

D.   Areas used for biohazard containment area are not open to 

the public for safety reasons.

E.   The University allows access to other animal facilities to

responsible groups and individuals on a limited basis.


II.  Procedure

A.   Requests to visit the facilities should be submitted in

writing to the USC Veterinarian or USC Media Relations which will

coordinate the request and visit.

B.   To reduce potential stress to animals and disruption of

activities, visits to the animal facilities will normally be

scheduled in conjunction with semi-annual inspections by the

IACUC, immediately preceding or following the IACUC.  Group size

may be limited and it may not be possible to honor all requests

during one tour.

C.  Special visits may be arranged at the discretion of the

University.

This page copyright © 1995-2005, The Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina.
URL http://www.sc.edu/policies/acaf505.html