Resources & Guidance

Information on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): Cal/OSHA Requirements and How to Obtain an MSDS Guidelines for the Care and Use of Mammals in Neuroscience and Behavioral Research, Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR), National Academy of Sciences Frequently Asked Questions About the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)

Behavioral Testing Core Provides Services and Expertise to UCLA Researchers

The Behavioral Testing Core is a multidisciplinary core located in the UCLA Psychology Department that is available to all UCLA researchers interested in the determination of behavioral phenotypes in different rodent strains. The Core provides facilities and expertise in the design, implementation, and analysis of behavioral experiments and offers assistance to investigators in preparing animal research protocols for submission to … Read More

Mutant Mouse Regional Resource Centers (MMRRC)

The MMRRC program is sponsored by the NIH National Center for Research Resources and was developed to ensure the continued availability of scientifically valuable, genetically engineered mice for distribution to qualified researchers studying human and animal biology and disease. A national network of regional breeding and distribution centers serves as NIH’s premier repository of spontaneous and induced mutant mouse lines.

New Resource on the Search for Alternatives

Resources in Animal Alternatives is a recent addition to the UCLA Biomedical Library online resource series and is designed to serve as a starting point for locating information on any topic in the field of animal testing alternatives.

Zoonoses and Zoonotic Information

Information regarding occupational risks associated with zoonotic diseases is now available on the UCLA Health Protection Tracking System (HPTS) website. Zoonotic diseases are animal infections which, under certain circumstances, are communicable to humans. All animal users are encouraged to review this information and follow the safety guidelines when working with laboratory animals.

Regulatory Update: Recent News of the Rats, Mice, and Birds Issue; Electronic Gateway to Enhance Public Participation in Federal Rulemaking

Regulations.gov is the U.S. Government website that makes it easier for you to participate in Federal rulemaking. On this site, you can find, review, and submit comments on Federal documents that are open for comment and published in the Federal Register. Participating government agencies include the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the … Read More

ARC Policy on Toe-Clipping

In order to comply with the recommendations of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the ARC has issued a policy prohibiting the practice of toe-clipping as a means of identifying rodents unless explicit approval is obtained from the ARC. For additional details, please refer to the ARC Policy on Toe-Clipping for Animal Identification.

The Literature Search for Alternatives

In conducting literature searches for alternatives (i.e., refinement, reduction, replacement), investigators are encouraged to utilize the following resources for guidance: A Guide to Searching for Alternatives for the Use of Laboratory Animals How to Search for Alternatives Tips for Searching for Alternatives to Animal Research and Testing The Search for Alternatives