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Learn about guidance specific to egg laying vertebrates, including zebrafish, here.
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).
Note
The comment period is now closed. Additional information on flexibilities will be provided once comments have been considered.
Policies and Laws
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?