The Trangenesis and Targeting Service has an approved protocol for the production of transgenic and targeted mice and there is no need for investigators to reqest IACUC approval for the surgeries and manipulations required for the production of transgenic or knockout mice. However, investigators need an approved protocol to receive the mice from the Case Transgenic and Targeting Facility.
Because in many cases one cannot know for certain what the phenotype of transgenic or knockout mice, there can be difficulty in predicting whether the animals will experience pain or distress. In preparing IACUC protocols for the use of new model mice, investigators should follow the guidelines of NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare:
"When an investigator prepares a proposal that includes development of a new mutant model, information about clinical abnormalities associated with the phenotype, special husbandry requirements, etc. will not be available. However, the investigator should include general criteria for euthanasia if a severe debilitating phenotype develops, and provide the IACUC with this information when the new mutant has been developed or at the next annual review."
• General Information about submitting an IACUC protocol.