What regulatory document codifies AWA requirements in the United States, and which agency enforces it?

• A. The Animal Welfare Regulations (AWR), codified at 9 CFR Part 1-3, enforced by USDA APHIS
• B. The Public Health Service Act, enforced by NIH
• C. The Laboratory Animal Welfare Act, enforced by EPA
• D. The Animal Care Guidelines, enforced by FDA

Answer: (A)

The question tests your understanding of how federal regulation of animal use in research is structured. The Animal Welfare Act provides the law, and its implementing rules are called the Animal Welfare Regulations. These regulations are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 9 CFR Parts 1 through 3. The agency responsible for enforcing them is USDA APHIS, specifically the Animal Care program, which conducts inspections, reviews facilities, and enforces compliance.

Other options point to different regulatory paths: the Public Health Service Act governs policies related to federally funded research and is enforced by NIH (via OLAW) rather than by the AWA regulations; the EPA and FDA do not enforce the AWA; and there isn’t a separate regulation set called the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act.