Which agency's guidelines require compliance from institutions conducting animal research?

The requirement for compliance from institutions conducting animal research stems from both the USDA Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy. Each of these regulations has its own scope and focus, but together they establish a comprehensive framework for the ethical treatment of animals in research.

The USDA Animal Welfare Act sets the standard for the care and treatment of certain animals used in research, requiring institutions to adhere to specific criteria concerning animal housing, feeding, and veterinary care. It mandates that covered institutions register with the USDA and undergo inspections to ensure compliance with their regulations.

In parallel, the Public Health Service Policy outlines requirements for institutions that receive federal funding and emphasizes the welfare of animals in research, specifically focusing on alternatives to animal use and the necessity of minimizing suffering. It is common for institutions to have an IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) that oversees protocols in compliance with both the USDA and PHS guidelines.

Thus, institutions conducting animal research must understand and comply with both sets of guidelines, making the option that states compliance is required by both the USDA Animal Welfare Act and Public Health Service Policy correct.