First, the AWA, PHS Policy, and the Guide make it clear that all practices and procedures involving animals are in the purview of the committee. This includes threats to the health of the animals, security issues, and the adoption of practices that might compromise the good assurance status of the institution. Second, all committees must have a reporting line to senior administration officials who have, in the words of the PHS Policy, the responsibility for administering the program and ensuring compliance. In this case, the vice president s need for additional space had side-tracked research facility expansion. It is surprising that investigators at Great Eastern were complacent towards the parasite infestation.
Infections have the potential to compromise the quality of research data.
The veterinarian should establish the etiology of the disease agent, define risks to research, and propose a solution. Difficulties with implementation may require the assistance of senior administrators. Flanagan is the chair of the Animal Use Subcommittee, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. This is the principal reason regulations call for adequate veterinary medical care. While light infestations of the parasites mentioned do not cause severe disease, the potential for harm is definitely there even the treatment causes some stress for the animals.