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I. Purpose

It is the responsibility of the Montana State University (MSU) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Agricultural Animal Care & Use Committee (AACUC) to ensure judicious and humane use of animals used in its research and teaching programs consistent with federal requirements and MSU’s institutional policies.

II. Scope

The use of live vertebrate animals in research, teaching, or testing conducted by or at the request of any MSU person (faculty, staff, or students) requires IACUC or AACUC review and/or approval before initiation. Fish and wildlife management projects and the use of agricultural animals for range/farm management may require committee review.

III. Activities that require IACUC/AACUC review include but are not limited to:

    1. The use of live vertebrate animals owned or controlled by MSU.
    2. The rearing of livestock and other farm animals owned by MSU.
    3. The use of privately-owned (e.g., client-owned, shelter-owned, faculty/staff/student-owned) animals.
    4. The use of vertebrate animals in collaboration with another institution or organization, including commercial entities.
    5. Production of custom antibodies or a surgical procedure conducted on a live animal by a commercial entity for research, teaching or testing purposes at the request of any MSU person (faculty, staff, students).

IV. Activities that DO NOT require IACUC or AACUC review include but are not limited to: 

    1. Animal-derived material including but not limited to antibodies, blood products, cell lines, and specimens.
    2. Deceased animals and animals euthanized for unrelated reasons (e.g., tissues from slaughtered animals at USDA-inspected facilities).
    3. Non-MSU-owned animals used exhibition events (e.g., rodeos, exhibitions).

V. Activities that may require IACUC/AACUC review include:

    1. Agricultural management activities that utilize vertebrate animals.
    2. Fish and wildlife studies or management. IACUC Policy Field Studies: Criteria for Exemption from IACUC Approval for additional information related to IACUC oversight of activities involving wild animals.

IACUC Approval Date: 09/21/2022

Review Date: 09/21/2022

Issue Date: 09/26/2022