Fish Embryo Use
Larval forms of fish and amphibians have vertebrae and are covered by PHS policy. The IACUC requires submission of an animal use protocol for research and teaching projects utilizing fish and amphibian embryos.
Avian Embryo Use
Avian embryos are not considered live animals by U.S. regulatory agencies and many universities do not regulate their use in research. Nonetheless, there is a consensus in the scientific community that avian embryos greater than one half of the way to hatching can experience pain. If avian embryos hatch, intentionally or unintentionally, they are live vertebrate animals and are regulated by the IACUC. The IACUC requires submission of an animal use protocol for research and teaching projects utilizing pre-hatched avian embryos 10.5 days or older.