Which of the following reviews the animal use protocols to ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and institutional policies on animal welfare?

• A. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• B. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• C. National Science Foundation (NSF)
• D. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

Answer: (D)

Reviewing animal use protocols to ensure compliance with federal, state, local laws and institutional policies is handled by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. The IACUC evaluates proposed studies involving animals to confirm welfare standards are met, alternatives are considered, animal numbers are minimized, and any pain or distress is mitigated. It also ensures adherence to laws and policies such as the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy, with ongoing oversight through protocol approvals, semiannual reviews, and facility inspections. While federal agencies like NIH provide guidelines and funding and the USDA enforces the Animal Welfare Act, they do not perform routine protocol reviews within each institution. Therefore, the IACUC is the correct answer.