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Learn about guidance specific to zebrafish.
Request for Information
One action identified by the research community and included in the report Reducing Administrative Burden for Researchers: Animal Care and Use in Research (PDF, 928.32 KB) in response to the 21st Century Cures Act is to consider changing the applicability of the PHS Policy to zebrafish larvae from immediately after hatching (typically 3 days post fertilization [dpf] under optimal conditions) to when larvae begin free feeding (at approximately 5 – 7 dpf).
While OLAW encourages institutions to use flexibilities to reduce administrative burden while using zebrafish in research (NOT-OD-21-118), the PHS Policy continues to cover zebrafish larvae immediately after hatching. OLAW sought input on flexibilities to reduce administrative burden while continuing to apply the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Policy) to zebrafish (Danio rerio) immediately after hatching in a request for information (NOT-OD-21-118) between May 7, 2021 and August 9, 2021.
Thank you for your comments in response to the Request for Information (RFI) on Flexibilities to Reduce Administrative Burden While Continuing to Apply the PHS Policy to Zebrafish Immediately After Hatching. The comment period is now closed and additional information on flexibilities will be provided once comments have been considered.
Laws, Policies, and Guidance
Laws and Policies
PHS Policy III.A.: Defines an animal as "[a]ny live vertebrate animal used or intended for use in research, research training, experimentation, or biological testing or for related purposes."
PHS Policy IV.D.1.A.: "All Institutions: Applications and proposals (competing and noncompeting) for awards submitted to the PHS that involve the care and use of animals shall contain the following information...a. identification of the species and approximate number of animals to be used;"
Guidance
Notice | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
Request for Information (RFI) on Flexibilities to Reduce Administrative Burden While Continuing to Apply the PHS Policy to Zebrafish Immediately After Hatching. Comment period closed. | May 7, 2021 |
FAQs
- Does the PHS Policy apply to larval forms of amphibians and fish?
- Does the PHS Policy apply to live embryonated eggs?
- What guidelines should IACUCs follow for fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and other nontraditional species used in research
- When and how should animals be tracked on approved protocols?