Initial Mandatory Education

The Animal Welfare Act and the University’s PHS Assurance Policy require the institution to ensure that people caring for or using animals in research are qualified to do so. IACUC Document 106 (PDF, 2pgs) defines the University of Kentucky's plan to ensure compliance with the training requirements for all personnel handling live research animals. The Office of the Attending Veterinarian (OAV) offers a Training Requirements Checklist (PDF, 1pg) to assist you in locating and completing all training resources relevant to animal research and lab work. In addition to IACUC requirements, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, and Financial Disclosure/Conflict of Interest training resources are identified. The checklist is for your own personnel use and retention only and does not need to be submitted to the IACUC.

To comply with these requirements, all personnel who plan to work with animals or are listed on an animal care and use protocol must complete the initial mandatory education before the protocol will be approved and studies can commence. Personnel that do not handle live animals do not need to be listed on the protocol.

The following will guide you in determining the mandatory training relevant to your work. Please be aware, all personnel listed on the protocol must complete the first three steps in the checklist. Access to AALAS Learning Library courses require an active UK linkblue account. 

Initial Mandatory Training Checklist

1. Complete the "Working with the IACUC" module through the AALAS Learning Library. 
2. Complete the "LATG 07: Occupational Health and Safety" course through the AALAS Learning Library. 
3. Complete the Medical Surveillance Form (Administered through University Health Service)
   • New participants in animal research will be asked to complete the MSF in UK MyChart upon submission of the IACUC protocol or amendment adding the new personnel. 
4. Is Euthanasia Listed on the Protocol? 
   • If Yes, complete the "AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition" course through the AALAS Learning Library. 
5. Will you be performing small animal surgery on non-agricultural species?
   • If Yes to small animal surgery:
     1. Complete either the "Aseptic Technique for Rodent Survival Surgery" or the "LAT 14: Aseptic Technique and Surgical Support and Anesthesia" course through the AALAS Learning Library.
     2. Complete either "Pain Management in Laboratory Animals", "Post-Procedure Care of Mice and Rats in Research: Minimizing Pain and Distress," or "Inhalation Anesthesia Systems for Rodents" through the AALAS Learning Library. 
6. Will you be performing large animal surgery?
   • If Yes to large animal agricultural surgery:
     1. Complete the "Large Animal Surgery: Aseptic Technique and Anesthesia" course through AALAS Learning Library.
     2. Complete the "Pain Management in Laboratory Animals" course through AALAS Learning Library.

Note: The protocol or the amendment to add personnel must be approved before work with animals can commence.