Which regulatory body's guidelines are followed for maintaining an effective IACUC?

The guidelines for maintaining an effective Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) are primarily aligned with the regulations set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA's Animal Welfare Act (AWA) provides the legal framework for the care and use of animals in research, and it establishes standards that institutions must follow to ensure humane treatment of animals used in research, teaching, and testing.

While other regulatory bodies like the FDA, NIH, and EPA also have roles related to animal research, their focus areas differ. The FDA primarily oversees the safety and efficacy of drugs and medical devices, while the NIH has guidelines that encourage best practices in research but is not the main regulatory authority like the USDA. The EPA focuses on environmental protection and does not specifically regulate IACUC activities, but it may engage in discussions that touch on animal welfare in the context of environmental effects.

The USDA's comprehensive regulations directly impact how IACUCs operate, ensuring that committees are effective in monitoring compliance with animal welfare standards. This strong regulatory presence makes the USDA the leading authority in establishing guidelines for IACUC functions.