Announcements

September 2023

To: Emory University animal users

From: The IACUC

The following policies have been updated and we encourage all members of the research teams to review the updated policies to ensure compliance:

The IACUC Policy 304 Tumor Burden Scoring Policy was updated on 3/15/2023: This update includes NEW recordkeeping requirements, new scoring scales, and resources for scoring tumor burden. See the Memorandum of Action sent to investigators in March 2023.

On August 17, 2022, the IACUC voted to increase the frequency of dosing of meloxicam to twice a day as reasonably as possible to 12 hours apart at the same dose (5mg/kg) in mice to provide better pain coverage.  

Please ensure that all members of your research team are aware of this change. 

How will this affect you and your protocol? 

  • The standard procedures for meloxicam in mice (oral and injectable) will be updated to say “twice a day as reasonably as possible to 12 hours apart at the same dose (5mg/kg)” instead of “every 24 hours”.  
  • If you have meloxicam in your current protocol(s), the current standard procedure for Meloxicam will show as ## ARCHIVED##. 
  • If you have meloxicam in your current protocol(s), you can keep using it at the 24-hour interval until the next time your protocol is renewed or amended. 
  • As protocols are renewed, Meloxicam usage will be reviewed by the veterinarian and recommendations for changes in dosing interval might be made based on type of procedures/surgeries being performed. 
  • Below are options to consider for including the increased dosing interval in your IACUC protocol.  

Name of standard procedure in eIACUC 

At time of Surgery/Procedure 

Post-Op Period 

Comments 

Meloxicam twice a day SQ or PO 

1 dose meloxicam given SQ or PO   

Meloxicam twice a day, SQ or PO. 

PO = oral suspension  

Meloxicam SR 

1 dose of meloxicam Sustained Release (SR) given SQ 

Meloxicam SR given every 24 hours (once a day), SQ 

Meloxicam SR requires a prescription from DAR/EPC Vet.  

 

 

2024 Newsletters [pdf]

Please send any questions to iacuc@emory.edu

  • See all 2024 Newsletters HERE

2023 Newsletters [pdf]

2022 Newsletters [pdf]

2013 Newsletters

2012 Newsletters

According to the new 8th edition of the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." Based on Table 3.2 on page 57 of the new "Guide", adult mice (>25 grams body weight) have a recommended minimum 15 square inches of space per animal. The average adult mouse will weigh approximately 30 grams. Using this minimum, cages currently in use will only allow 5 adult mice per cage.

Emory University’s PHS Assurance states that we will adhere to the "Guide" and PHS Policy. The IACUC must conduct at least one of its semiannual inspections incorporating the new "Guide" before December 31, 2012. The IACUC has already conducted one site inspection of all facilities and did not cite any cages with more than 5 adult mice/cage. With this implementation timeframe in mind, any mouse cages containing more than 5 adult mice found after May 1st will be reported to the IACUC.

Any cages found with more than 5 adult mice found on the next semiannual site inspection will be documented as a deficiency and reported to our Institutional Official in the semiannual report as required by the Animal Welfare Act.

Following the new revised "Guide" is federally mandated by our regulatory bodies and expected by our accreditation agency. Please note that the IACUC has revised its policy to comply with the new "Guide". Please see Mouse Overcrowded Cage Policy (PDF).

EU DAR Communication regarding the AAALAC Site visit in 2023 - October 2022