Which regulatory body requires annual reviews?

The requirement for annual reviews is specifically tied to regulations set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under the Animal Welfare Act, institutions are mandated to conduct annual reviews of their animal care and use programs. This ensures ongoing compliance with the standards and regulations that govern the treatment and welfare of research animals, promoting accountability and ethical standards within research facilities.

The FDA, NIH, and AAALAC also have their respective guidelines and requirements related to animal research, but they do not explicitly mandate annual reviews in the same way the USDA does. The FDA's focus tends more on drug and medical device regulations, NIH provides guidelines that may encourage regular evaluations but does not specify a formal requirement like the USDA, and AAALAC accreditation processes involve evaluation but do not impose annual review requirements directly.