UTSA Animal User Training Program

(PLEASE NOTE "ENHANCED IACUC/LARC TRAINING REQUIREMENTS" BELOW)

Why is this necessary?

UTSA is demonstrating their commitment to responsible animal care and use by providing the training necessary to ensure the ethical and humane treatment of research animals.

Federal regulations require scientists, animal technicians and other personnel involved in animal care to undergo specialized training. This includes training in the humane practice of animal care and use, research or testing methods that minimize the number of animals required to obtain valid results, and methods to minimize animal pain or distress. (http://www.NabrAnimalLaw.org) The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC) also requires this training for accreditation by their organization. (http://www.aaalac.org/) Obtaining AAALAC accreditation is a major step to attaining the status of a Tier One Research University, one of President Ricardo Romo's main goals for UTSA.

How does it work?

The PI or Lab Manager informs the IACUC office of any new personnel who will be handling animals and submits their names and e-mail addresses (Lonestar or UTSA staff account preferred).

The IACUC office will establish an individual account in the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Learning Library for each such person. An e-mail message will then be sent to each individual that will contain:

1. The internet link to the AALAS Learning Library (ALL)

2. Their username and password

3. A Memo listing the courses in the ALL which the IACUC has selected for the various levels of animal interaction

4. Directions for navigating within the website.

During the training, one can exit a course at any point and return to finish it. Once the quiz at the end of each course is taken and passed, a Course Completion Certificate will be generated. Two copies should be printed, one for your personal training file and one for your Lab's Training File. Passing scores will be displayed on your individual transcript, to which the Group Coordinator (in the IACUC office) will have access for documentation-of-training purposes.

If you forget your username and password, contact the Group Coordinator at james.macmillan@utsa.edu.

Enhanced IACUC/LARC Training Requirements

The IACUC recently enhanced their training requirements in an effort to move the animal care and use program to the next level of biocontainment and AAALAC International accreditation. The centerpiece of these new requirements is the LARC.s exciting and newly developed programs. These changes will lead to a win-win situation for the investigators and the University as we move towards Tier 1 status. The outcome will be a first class animal research program and facilities that you will truly be proud of.

The results will be:

1. AAALAC accreditation - A symbol of quality for our University as AAALAC accreditation is considered the "Gold Standard" of animal care and use.
2. Promotion of scientific validity: A program where your animals will enjoy a more stress-free environment with enhanced biocontainment, resulting in healt hier animals and more accurate data yield.
3. Enhanced collaboration opportunities.
4. New funding opportunities.
5. Enhanced recruitment of highly qualified faculty and staff.
6. Enhanced protection for the animal user.

In addition to all the current EHSRM (contact 458-5250 for details) and IACUC required training, the "enhanced" training program contains the following elements:

• Animal Awareness Seminar




Course Description	This seminar is designed to provide an overview of the animal care & use program at UTSA. Faculty/staff/students will be exposed to the many important policies and procedures associated with the use of animals in research at UTSA. Some of the topics covered in this seminar include: Regulations (governing the use of animals in research) IACUC LARC functions Procurement/transfer of animals Facility access Per diems and standard care LARC administrative processes Veterinary care Animal Worker Protection Program
Course Length	1 ½ hours
Course Location	LARC Conference Room - SB 1.01.10C
Course Date/Time	3rd Wednesday of each month from 10:00-11:30 am
Course Prerequisites	Registration is required for all attendees
Course Participants	ALL animal users at UTSA
Frequency Requirement	Due to the constant changes in animal research regulations, all animal users must take this course every three years


Click here to download the Animal Awareness Seminar handout. (pdf)

• Animal Worker Protection Program




Course Description	We developed a handout, which describes the elements of the OHSP related to animals. This protects animals, researchers and ancillary personnel that come into the facility (e.g. Safety, Facilities, police, guests, etc.).
Course Participants	ALL animal users at UTSA must read the Animal Worker Protection Program handout (available below) and sign & return the Acknowledgement form (also available below).


Click here to download the Animal Worker Protection Program handout. (pdf)
Click here to download the Animal Worker Protection Program Acknowledgement Form. (doc)

• LARC Facility Orientation




Course Description	This orientation is designed to introduce faculty/staff/students to UTSA animal facilities. Some of the topics covered in this seminar include: Introduction to the facility layout Proper procedures for entering/exiting rooms Required personal protective equipment to protect the user and animals Working in the hood
Course Length	1 hour
Course Location	BSE, BSB & SAL Vivaria
Course Date/Time	Effective 5/21/2009, every other Thursday from 10:00-11:00 am
Course Prerequisites	Registration is required for all attendees. Attend Animal Awareness Seminar. Read the LARC Facility Orientation handout. Read Animal Worker Protection Program handout and sign acknowledgement form.
Course Participants	ALL animal users at UTSA housing animals in the LARC facilities


Click here to download the LARC Facility Orientation PowerPoint. (pdf)

• Mouse and Rat Biomethodology Workshops




Course Description	This provides investigators with information on handling, injection, blood collection, anesthesia and euthanasia techniques in mice and rats. Beginning Monday, May 11, 2009, all new animal users approved in protocols will be required to attend this workshop. It is highly recommended that all current animal users attend this workshop.
Course Length	2 ½ hours
Course Location	BSE 3.314
Course Date/Time	2nd Wednesday of each month from 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Course Prerequisites	Registration is required for all attendees. Listed in an approved IACUC protocol.
Course Participants	ALL new rodent users at UTSA beginning May 11, 2009. All current rodent users are highly encouraged to attend.


Click here to download the Mouse Biomethodology Workshop Handout. (pdf)
Click here to download the Rat Biomethodology Workshop Handout. (pdf)

• Rodent Surgery Workshop




Course Description	As the biomethodology sessions, this will be a hands-on session to teach investigator aseptic technique, proper surgical and suturing techniques and post-operative recovery of rodents. Beginning Monday, May 11, 2009, all new animal users approved in protocols involved in surgery will be required to attend this workshop. It is highly recommended that all current animal users involved in surgery attend this workshop.
Course Length	3 ½ hours
Course Location	BSE 3.314
Course Date/Time	As needed. Contact larc@utsa.edu to schedule session.
Course Prerequisites	Registration is required for all attendees. Listed in an approved IACUC protocol.
Course Participants	ALL new rodent users involved in surgery at UTSA beginning May 11, 2009. All current rodent users involved in surgery are highly encouraged to attend.


Click here to download the Surgery Workshop Handout. (pdf)
Click here to download the Principles of Veterinary Suturing Handout. (pdf)