About AWIC
The Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC) was established in 1986 as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Library (NAL) in Beltsville, Maryland. As a library service, AWIC provides information, products and services related to the improved care and use of animals in research, testing, and teaching as described in the Animal Welfare Act.
Key Products and Services
Animal Welfare Act Historical Digital Collection (AWAHDC)

The AWAHDC contains publications related to the Animal Welfare Act which fall into three categories: legislative history, regulatory history, and USDA publications.
Workshops on Meeting the Requirements of the Animal Welfare Act
AWIC's free virtual and in-person workshops focus on the Animal Welfare Act and its requirements, 3Rs alternatives, and alternatives literature searching. Customizable trainings are also available upon request.
3Rs Alternatives Literature Search Support

AWIC provides free alternatives literature searching services, as well as instruction and best practices for performing an alternatives literature search.
Featured Topics
News
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APHIS Extends Public Comment Period for Proposed Animal Welfare Regulations for Birds
USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
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USDA Seeks Public Comment on Proposal to Establish Animal Welfare Regulations for Birds
USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
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APHIS Posts Investigative and Enforcement Services Annual Enforcement Data Reports
USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
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USDA Withdraws Proposed Horse Protection Rule, Plans to Issue Strengthened Regulations
USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Upcoming Events
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AWIC Workshop: Meeting the Requirements of the Animal Welfare Act
5.5 hour virtual workshop
AWIC's Mission
Language in the 1985 amendments to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) described Congress' vision for the Center:
The Secretary [of Agriculture] shall establish an information service at the National Agriculture Library. Such service shall, in cooperation with the National Library of Medicine, provide information —
- pertinent to employee training;
- which could prevent unintended duplication of animal experimentation as determined by the needs of the research facility; and
- on improved methods of animal experimentation, including methods which could —
- reduce or replace animal use; and
- minimize pain and distress to animals, such as anesthetic and analgesic procedures.
The focus of AWIC's products, services, and activities is to help the regulated community with employee training and to promote the humane care and use of animals by providing information on alternatives (improved methods of animal experimentation which could reduce or replace animal use or minimize pain and distress to animals). AWIC also provides support to other USDA agencies such as the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Care and the Agriculture Research Service.
Contact Us
We are unable to provide a diagnosis of animal injury or illness or advice on animal health issues. Consult with your veterinarian instead.
For questions: Use the library's Ask a Question form. Select the Topical Area: Animals and Livestock.
Questions are answered by information specialists with education in the biological sciences, knowledge of animal welfare laws and regulations, and experience in the care and management of animals used in research and teaching.
For literature search requests: Fill out the request form and email awic@usda.gov.