I: Background and Purpose:

 The IACUC is responsible for the oversight of all research, testing, and training activities involving live vertebrate animals, including those taking place at field sites (either local or remote) where the activity alters or influences (directly or indirectly) the activities of the animals being studied. All laboratories that wish to perform field research must submit an Animal Use Protocol (AUP) with the IACUC. UCR IACUC uses the standard set forth by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which defines field research as any research that includes an invasive procedure that can harm or materially alter the behavior of an animal under study and poses risks to other wildlife or the surrounding environment. This policy defines field research that requires IACUC approval and field studies which may be exempt from IACUC review and approval.

  

II: Related Policies and Guidance

Policy 529-348: Euthanasia of Wildlife in Emergency Situations

·       Policy 529-211: Permits Involving the Capture of Wild Animals

·       Policy 529-224: IACUC Review of Animal Use Protocols (AUPs)

  

III: Policy:

 A. All research performed in the field that has the potential to cause pain or distress and actions by researchers intended to alter animal behavior or habitat must be approved by the IACUC.

 a) Examples of field research that requires IACUC approval:

 

i. Operative procedures

ii. blood collection procedures

iii. immobilization

iv. devices that are surgically implanted

v. pain/distress above minimal and slight

vi. discomfort as a result of handling

vii. use of chemicals to alter migratory behavior

viii. repeated nest/den disturbances

ix. relocation

 

B. Field studies are procedures that do not alter an animal's behavior or environment and do not include potential pain or distress. Field studies are exempt from IACUC review and approval.

             a) Examples of field studies that do not require IACUC approval:

i. Field studies that do not “involve an invasive procedure, harm, or materially alter the behavior of an animal under study.” (9 CFR 1.1 – Animal Welfare Regulation) 

ii. Field studies that do not involve the capture, handling, housing, transportation, treatment, or euthanasia of animals.

iii. Field studies that do not cause excessive disturbances of animals due to study activities. Excessive disturbance would include visits to nest sites or breeding areas, close approach to animals during sensitive phases of their life cycle, or experimental techniques that might elicit disturbance (e.g., tape playbacks of calls or presentation of models).

 C. Researchers who perform field research or field studies must complete a Field Safety Plan with UCR EH&S. This process is separate from IACUC approval, which can be delayed if a field safety plan has not been completed.

 IV: Resources:

 Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations (USDA, current edition, p. 39)

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ac-tech-note-research-free-living-wild-animals.508.pdf                     

 

 Approved: 02/10/2025