1. Purpose

   Ohio University provides the news media and other approved visitors access to the Laboratory Animal Resources facilities on campus in order to increase public understanding of the humane and responsible use of laboratory animals in biomedical research. This policy provides for timely access while protecting the health and safety of both people and the laboratory animals.

2. Plan

   The Laboratory Animal Resource facilities are primarily animal holding and care units. They are equipped similarly to any animal care or veterinary office. Ohio University's Laboratory Animal Resource facilities are considered to be conventional in nature, but visitors may be asked to wear lab coats or other protective clothing to provide protection to our laboratory animals against the exchange of pathogens and allergens between them and visitors. Visitors to some animal areas may be required to undergo barrier facility entrance protocols, including showers in and out of the facility, donning of full protective gear or isolation from other animal areas for two weeks previous to the visit.

3. Policies and Procedures

   1. Accredited journalists must schedule tours of the laboratory animal facilities in advance by contacting Ohio University Communications and Marketing. Other visitors may schedule tours by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Research. The names and appropriate credentials of all people touring the facilities must be provided in advance. Ohio University reserves the right to reschedule tours at any time.

   2. Ohio University reserves the right to limit the frequency of tours provided to any individual or organization.

   3. All tours will be accompanied by a representative from the Ohio University Communications and Marketing and a previously approved representative from the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources, or a previously approved representative from the Office of Research Compliance.

   4. Media will not tour the facility at the same time as other visitors.

   5. Visitors should expect to spend at least two hours touring the facilities. At any given time, certain areas may not be open to visitors due to ongoing research. In general, they will be restricted from entering areas in which they may be exposed to health hazards. Visitors must be sensitive to the welfare of the animals and the impact that their presence or the use of electronic equipment may have on them.  Any behavior deemed inappropriate by the tour guide, the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources representative, or the Office of Research Compliance representative is reason for ending the tour and removing the offender.

   6. Recorded interviews with Ohio University personnel must be conducted outside the facilities. With prior approval, photography is normally allowed in non-animal areas only. Laboratory animals are sensitive to the use of electronic equipment and the presence of strangers. To minimize the disruption and to protect their welfare, photography is not normally permitted in the animal rooms. If photography within an animal room is required, permission must be obtained from the Vice President for Research in advance.

   7. Ohio University is committed to accurate reporting of the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources facts and figures; therefore, Ohio University representatives may need additional time to answer particular questions or to verify facts or figures.

Reviewers

Proposed revisions of this policy should be reviewed by:

1. President

2. Executive Vice President and Provost

3. Executive Staff

4. Vice President for Research

5. Faculty Senate

6. Executive Director of University Communications and Marketing

7. Policy and Procedure Review Committee