Message from Dr. Woodhouse (Jan 2021)
As a faculty member who frequently uses the Animal Care Services spaces and resources, I am writing to indicate that until further notice we are, given current restriction, unable to offer training required to facilitate access for students to facilities. This includes any new graduate students or undergraduate students on a thesis course. Faculty are encouraged to plan alternative programming in the interim.
For general updates on COVID-19 and its impact on Queen’s research visit the Continuity of Research Planning on the Vice-Principal Research COVD-19 page.
If you have any questions, please contact the University Veterinarian, Dr. Andrew Winterborn (andrew.winterborn@queensu.ca)
Canada Research Continuity Emergency Fund
Please note that for users in Botterell Hall, you will see a one-time Special COVID-19 charge on your invoice to cover the increased cost in PPE that was incurred between March 15 - November 15. Your research account will not be billed for this amount.
This has been put in place to meet the requirements of the program. We are working with the Faculties to provide data on claiming per diems and animal purchases to restart research programs.
If you have any questions, please contact the University Veterinarian.
UACC Policies
Policy on Euthanasia of Animals Used in Science
Policy on Humane Killing of Animals Used in Science (updated January 2023)
This policy was revised to include CO2 euthanasia on the list of conditionally acceptable methods to satisfy previous recommendations from the CCAC. As a conditionally acceptable method, PI's can still request its use on their animal use protocol (AUP) however justification will be required (with the expectation that this be in place at the time of renewal and for all new submissions/full resubmissions). This recommendation is based on ongoing discussions surrounding the potential for pain associated with CO2 administration. The CCAC developed a guidance document (CCAC Revised Guidance on Euthanasia Using Carbon Dioxide (PDF 190 KB)) which the UACC took into consideration when revising the institutional SOPs on Euthanasia of Adult Rodents via CO2 Asphyxiation.
Policy on Animal Based Projects Involving Two or More Institutions
View policy on Animal Based Projects involving two or more institutions (PDF 36 KB)
No changes to current practices have been made, however this policy was revised to further define the process of acquiring approval and ensuring post approval compliance when more than one institution is involved. These changes are in line with the CCAC FAQ on Animal-Based Projects Involving Two or More Institutions (May 2020) (PDF 639 KB).
Policy on Pedagogical Merit of Live Animal-Based Teaching and Training
View policy on Pedagogical Merit of Live Animal-Based Teaching and Training (PDF 442 KB)
This policy was revised to enable an expedited pedagogical merit process that aligns with CCAC recommendations. Review and Reviewer forms were also revised and appended into policy document. The expedited pedagogical merit process would be applicable for certain competency-based teaching or training activities where the intended learning outcomes are prescribed or mandated by a third party such as a ministry of education, an institutional researcher/personnel training program or an accreditation or certification body.
Standard Operating Procedures
UACC Updates
At the time of renewal or full resubmission, the UACC will be initiating discussions with PIs of individual protocols that fall into the large (based on numbers or species) and/or complex (based on multiple themes covering entire research programs) category, which often makes the protocol review process unnecessarily onerous and cumbersome. These types of protocols are also often difficult to follow within some studies, and as a result jeopardize the ability of lab members, animal care staff and the University Veterinarians to follow or react if and when unexpected events arise. These discussions are intended to facilitate a transition from single large and complex protocols into several targeted protocols as appropriate (ie based on individual research aims) to overcome the above challenges.
Similarly, PIs are asked to carefully consider whether amendments align with the existing protocol, or would be better as a standalone pilot or new protocol at time of submission.
The UACC will support PIs during these transitions, and provide guidance as well as extended timeframes as needed. Your efforts to assess your protocols at the time of submission in this regard is greatly appreciated.
Due to restrictions in place as a result of the pandemic, the UACC has developed a virtual process to conduct its annual laboratory assessments as required by CCAC guidelines. These assessments are done to evaluate compliance, improve understanding of in vivo work performed outside of the main facilities, and encourage open communication between researchers and the UACC.
Based on previous assessment criteria, information that would ordinarily be obtained face to face will be collected within Topaz Elements via Laboratory Assessment forms. The UACC Coordinator will be reaching out to facilitate the process.
Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) Updates
The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) has released the CCAC Animal Data Report 2019 (PDF 695 KB), which provides a national overview of animal-based science in CCAC certified institutions from January 1 to December 31, 2019. For more quick facts, consult the CCAC Facts & Figures which provides a visual overview of the number of animals involved in Canadian science for the purposes of research, teaching, and testing, as well as general information about the CCAC and the Canadian system of oversight.
Recently, the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) put out a call for the public review of draft Instructions for Completion of the CCAC Animal Use Data Form which would inform changes to the data that institutions must report annually.
Following public review, the CCAC was made aware of concerns expressed by institutions in relation to the proposed changes to the collection and submission of animal use data including
- the potential costs of adjusting current protocol management software;
- retrospective reporting;
- the schedule for the implementation of the instructions document in relation to other guidelines currently in development by the CCAC;
- and the timing of the document given institutions are dealing with challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A plan to collaborate with institutions to address these concerns is now being developed and the CCAC will communicate with institutions to inform them of the actions taken to address these concerns. Only once institutions are fully aware of the final requirements surrounding Animal Use Data submission can we begin to assess and adjust our current practices.
We will update the research community as needed of any impending changes.
The draft CCAC guidelines: Categories of welfare impact is now available for public review. This document was carefully developed by a subcommittee of volunteer experts and has undergone an initial, limited review by select experts. It aims to improve the understanding of welfare impacts on animals involved in proposed scientific activities; encourage consideration of how those impacts might be minimized; and assist in the accurate reporting of the experiences of animals used in science across Canada. Help advance high standards for the ethical care and use of animals in Canadian science by providing your insight and input on this guidelines document. Please note that the draft document you receive will likely undergo significant changes prior to final approval and publication.
Review comments must be forwarded to reviews@ccac.ca by November 27, 2020.
View the draft CCAC guidelines: Categories of welfare impact (WORD 94 KB)