New/Revised ARC Policies: Tissue Collection for DNA Collection for Genotyping in Mice, Animal Export, Maintaining Animals in Study Areas

Dear Investigators,

The Chancellor's Animal Research Committee (ARC) recently issued several new or updated ARC policies. A brief synopsis of the changes is included below. All personnel should familiarize themselves with these policies if they pertain to your research. If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact the OPRS/ARC staff at (310) 206-6308 or arc@oprs.ucla.edu.

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Tissue Collection for DNA Extraction for Genotyping in Mice

This new policy replaces the former ARC Policy on Tail Biopsy in Mice and includes general guidelines on several alternative methods for tail biopsy for genotyping of mice.

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Animal Export

This policy requires that all exports from UCLA to other institutions must be coordinated through the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DLAM) and conform to DLAM's Standard Operating Procedures for animal export.

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Maintaining Animals in Study Areas

a) The revised policy permits investigators who use non-USDA-covered animal species (rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus bred for use in research, and all non-mammalian vertebrate species) to hold animals in their laboratories for up to 24 hours without scientific justification.

b) The previous policy instructed investigators who currently have approval to house animals in their laboratory to submit copies of their study area logs to the Campus Veterinarian on a monthly basis or at the end of the study period, whichever comes first. Investigators should now submit these documents directly to the ARC (arc@oprs.ucla.edu or fax #60742; please note that email submissions are preferred).