References

USDA AWA Regulations And Standards, Section 2.31 – IACUC Requirements

From the USDA AWA Regulations and Standards, Section 2.31: 
“(d) IACUC review of activities involving animals.

1. In order to approve proposed activities or proposed significant changes in ongoing activities, the IACUC shall conduct a review of those components of the activities related to the care and use of animals and determine that the proposed activities are in accordance with this subchapter unless acceptable justification for a departure is presented in writing; Provided, however, That field studies as defined in part 1 of this subchapter are exempt from this requirement. Further, the IACUC shall determine that the proposed activities or significant changes in ongoing activities meet the following requirements:
2. Procedures involving animals will avoid or minimize discomfort, distress, and pain to the animals; 
   
3. The principal investigator has considered alternatives to procedures that may cause more than momentary or slight pain or distress to the animals, and has provided a written narrative description of the methods and sources, e. g., the Animal Welfare Information Center, used to determine that alternatives were not available;”

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