Animal Welfare & Use

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine's (RUSVM) policy is to safeguard and provide for the health, well being and overall welfare of animals used in teaching, research and testing. The university will follow the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NRC 2011, 8th Edition, the Animal Welfare Act as implemented by Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) of the US, the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia (2007), and any published guidance from the government of St Kitts as guidelines for standards of care and use of animals. All animals used in the education of veterinary students, continuing education of postgraduate veterinarians, and research and testing come under the jurisdiction of the RUSVM Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The fundamental principle on which the animal care and use program is based requires self regulation with oversight. Ensuring the ethical and sensitive care and use of animals in research, teaching, and testing is clearly demonstrated by the well-defined role of the IACUC. Use of animals at RUSVM must undergo review and approval prior to such use.

The curriculum at RUSVM provides a wide range of opportunities for hands-on training, which are presented in accordance with the restrictions and requirements set forth above. This curriculum does include dissection of animal cadavers, anesthesia, and survival surgeries on multiple species. Laboratory sessions may involve handling of blood, urine, tissue and fecal specimens obtained from animals or from the local abattoir. The use of animals in teaching undergoes regular review and modifications are made from time to time to ensure both academic rigor and appropriate handling of animals. Ross offers only one course of study and curriculum to all students. Therefore, all students will be expected to participate in the handling of specimens and surgeries described.