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• Animal Oversight (IACUC)
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• Facility Inspections and Semi-Annual Meetings

Facility Inspections and Semi-Annual Committee Meetings

Facility Inspections

There are three types of facility inspections performed during the course of each year. Each type of inspection has a specific purpose.

1. APHIS Veterinarian Inspection.
   • The USDA APHIS Veterinarian makes one or more unannounced inspections during the course of each year. The purpose of the inspections is to verify that the IACUC is properly overseeing the use of animals in research and teaching.
   • The IACUC may be cited during the course of such inspections because of deficiencies observed in the laboratory facilities or for various aspects of committee operation, especially record-keeping.
   • Investigators may be contacted during this visit by the IACUC Office to ensure that someone is present in each laboratory during such visits. Whenever possible, the IACUC Chair will be present during part or all of these visits.
   • Following receipt of the inspector's report, the IACUC Chair will notify appropriate investigators of any citations requiring corrective action by an investigator and include a time limit for such correction.
   • Failure to correct a deficiency can lead to IACUC withdrawal of authorization to continue work so as to protect the university and other investigators from being denied the authority to conduct research by the federal regulatory agencies.
2. Announced IACUC Inspections.
   • The IACUC will make announced semiannual inspections following its semiannual meetings.
   • These inspections will occur on William & Mary campus on the day of the meeting, or within one week of the date of the meeting, as appropriate.
   • The VIMS campus inspections will be conducted on the same day, or within one week of that day (unless notice is given in advance changing this schedule).
   • Inspections at each facility, conducted in accordance with The Guide, involve the veterinarian and at least one member of the committee (preferably the Chair), who is not a member of the facility staff or the PI.
3. At least two times per year, the Adjunct Veterinarian (or their designee) and the IACUC Chair (or their designee) will perform unannounced inspections of all facilities.
   • The purpose of these inspections is to confirm that appropriate veterinary care is being provided to all animals; that proper sanitation, feeding, housing, etc. are being provided; and that approved protocols are being followed.
   • The inspections are intended to be supportive of investigators, not punitive, by providing an independent evaluation of animal conditions leading to corrective action when appropriate.

Semi-Annual Meetings

The IACUC will hold semiannual meetings in the spring and fall in accordance with the Assurance Statement of the university and the Animal Welfare Act and associated regulations.