Understanding USDA Reporting Requirements
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) requires registered research facilities to file an annual report (Form 7023) with USDA APHIS. Key requirements:
Reporting period: Fiscal year (October 1 – September 30) for most institutions, though calendar year reporting is allowed with USDA approval.
Pain categories: Animals must be classified into columns B–E based on the highest category of pain/distress experienced during the reporting period. An animal that starts in Column B and is later used in a Column D procedure should be counted in Column D only — no double-counting.
Covered species: The AWA covers warm-blooded animals except rats (Rattus) and mice (Mus) bred for research, birds bred for research, horses not used for research, and other farm animals used for food/fiber. Wild rodents and wild-caught animals ARE covered even if they are rats or mice.
IACUC oversight: Beyond USDA reporting, most institutions require annual animal use summaries for IACUC program review. These typically include all vertebrate species (including mice and rats), broken down by protocol, PI, grant, and outcome.