NEWS

RARC Launches an AAALAC International Informational Page

The Research Animal Resources and Compliance (RARC) office has launched a dedicated informational webpage to support the UW-Madison research community in preparing for the upcoming AAALAC International site visit for the following schools: LSVC, SMPH, and SVM.

To maintain our accreditation, AAALAC International will conduct a comprehensive review in Fall 2026, evaluating our facilities, policies, and animal care practices.

This visit is an important opportunity to showcase the strength of UW's research community and our commitment to the highest standards of animal care and science.

Visit the webpage

Want to Know More About AAALAC International?

AAALAC International is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting humane, high quality animal care in scientific research and education through its voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. Accredited institutions demonstrate a strong commitment to responsible, ethical research practices and continuous improvement in animal welfare. [en.wikipedia.org], [nprc.org]

To learn more, take a moment to watch this brief introductory video:

AAALAC is Coming!

This fall, the UW-Madison research animal program will host an AAALAC reaccreditation site visit for the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) and the Office of Vice Chancellor for Research. In the coming weeks, this website will provide more information on what to do to prepare, what to expect, and various resources. Stay tuned!

Update on State of WI Special Use Authorization (SUA) for Controlled Substances

The state agency that issues SUAs for controlled substance use in research protocols has launched a new online portal for applications. Here's what to know:

• You still must fill out form 2184 and upload it to your electronic application in the portal.
• If you are renewing your SUA, you must click the selection in the portal to apply for a new SUA. Fill out form 2184 but select RENEWAL at the top of page 1 of the form. Complete the form and upload it to the portal. 
• Researchers have encountered significant delays when waiting for SUA renewal authorizations. Please start the process several months in advance. 
• Additional information is available on our controlled substances page

New Analgesia Guidelines & Surgery Records for Rodents

• New "Anesthesia and Analgesia" tab on RARC website (see tab above) with analgesia standard treatment guidelines 
• Updated rodent surgery record templates now available 
• Anesthesia and analgesia formulary has been updated

Use of AI when Writing Protocols

Investigators may find that using AI language tools is helpful when writing the non-technical portions of the animal use protocol. There are two sections that might benefit from these resources- the significance and justification and the experimental narrative. However, it is important that investigators only use the enterprise versions of AI tools that have been contracted by the University. These contracts limit the institutional and research data sharing by the AI tools. More information can be found on the UW-IT website. 

RARC Services

RARC has many services available to help your research program be successful. Please see the drop-down menu above under "services" for more details on our:

• Veterinary Anesthesia Core- providing anesthesia services for pigs, sheep, rabbits, ferrets, and more
• Analgesia services- providing extended release buprenorphine for post-procedural small rats and mice
• X-ray services- we can use our portable x-ray equipment to image your research animals
• Comparative Pathology Laboratory- the CPL provides both anatomic and clinical pathology services to diagnose animal health issues and evaluate research questions