OFFICE OF SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

DIVISION OF LABORATORY ANIMAL RESOURCES

Policy and Procedures Manual for Investigators Using Animals

[click here for a pdf version of the full Policy and Procedures Manual]

I.   Introduction

Policy

The Animal Welfare Act

National Institutes of Health

Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC)

NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

Department of Health (DOH) State of New York

Animal Welfare Concerns

II.  Institutional Policies and Responsibilities

Office Hours

Visitors

Emergency Procedures

Important Phone Numbers

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

Review and Approval of Animal Protocols

Animal User Charges

Anmal Census and Per Diem Rates

Animal Orders

Transfer of Animals

Purchase of Animals

Training Program

AALAS Training Web Program Directions

Eating, Drinking, Smoking

Hazardous Agents

Protective Clothing

Expired Protocols

Public Elevators

Adverse Events

III.  Animal Environment, Housing, and Management

Receipt of Animals from Approved Sources

Receipt of Animals from Non-Approved Sources

Shipment of Animals from DLAR to Other Institutions

Animal Identification

Animal Arrival and Quarantine

Sentinel Program

Animal Husbandry

Animal Feed

Animal Cage Populations

Animal Room Maintenance

Escaped Animals

Removal of Animals from DLAR

IV.  Veterinary Medical Care

Veterinary Care

Sick or Injured Animals

Moribund Animals

Endpoint Criteria

Dead Animals

Anesthetics, Analgesics, Tranquilizers

Euthanasia

Survival Surgery

Post-Operative Care

Needles/Syringes or Sharps Disposal

Radioisotope

Transplantable Tumors

V.   Physical Plant

Lighting

Humidity and Temperature

Traffic Flow

Broken Glass

ABBREVIATIONS USED

APPENDICES

Appendix 1   -   Web sites Pertaining to Animal Welfare Laws, Regulations, Policies,
     Guidelines and Ethics Concerning Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research and Teaching

Appendix 2   -   Animal Monthly Census Record

Appendix 3   -   Approved Vendors

Appendix 4   -   Animal Room Daily Activity Log

Appendix 5   -   Animal Disposition Form

Appendix 6   -   Animal Transfer Form

Appendix 7   -   DLAR Animal Purchase Request

Appendix 8   -   The Research Foundation Purchase Requisition Form

Appendix 9   -   Animal Health Information Form

Appendix 10 -   Quarantine Arrival Animal Form

Appendix 11 -   Guidance on Prompt Reporting to OLAW under the PHS Policy on Human
     Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

USER INFORMATION

Appendix 12 -   Signs and Severity of Pain

Appendix 13 -   Anesthetic & Analgesic Drug Doses, etc in Different Species
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Mice
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Rats
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Guinea Pigs
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Hamsters
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Gerbils
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Rodents
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Rabbits
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Non Human Primates
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Dogs and Cats
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Ferrets
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Ruminants
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Swine
      Anesthetics and Tranquilizers Used In Non Traditional Animals

Appendix 14 -  Generic and Trade Names and Sources of Drugs

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Appendix 15 -  Biological Data of Common Species

Appendix 16 -
      Recommended Space for Commonly Used Group-Housed Laboratory Rodents
      Recommended Space for Rabbits, Cats, Dogs, Nonhuman Primates, and Birds

Appendix 17 -  Recommended Space for Commonly Used Farm Animals

Appendix 18 -
      Common Blood Collection Sites in Laboratory Animals
      Common IV Injection Sites
      Normal Values for Complete Blood Count in Common Laboratory Animals
      Normal Differential Blood Values in Common Laboratory Animals
      Ear Notching

Appendix 19 -  Suggested Needle Sizes and Injection Volumes

Appendix 20 -
      Standard Positions for Taking Radiographs of Laboratory Animals
      Record Keeping Requirements

Appendix 21 -  Antimicrobial Agents Suitable for Use in Laboratory Facility Sanitation Programs

Appendix 22 -  Health Problems of Laboratory Animals

Appendix 23 -  2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia
      Acceptable Agents and Methods of Euthanasia
      Agents and Methods of Euthanasia by Species
      Conditionally Acceptable Agents and Methods of Euthanasia
      Some Unacceptable Agents and Methods of Euthanasia

I. INTRODUCTION

SUNY Downstate Medical Center’s Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) provides facilities, services, and information to facilitate effective research using laboratory animals. DLAR also ensures that animal care procedures and animal experimentation comply with federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines.

DLAR has an approved Animal Welfare Assurance number (A3260-01) with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW/NIH) and has Full Accreditation Status by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC).

New investigators and technicians who are unfamiliar with the care and handling of laboratory animals are required to contact the DLAR Operations Manager to arrange for individual or group orientation and for instructions with respect to proper animal care and use.

Suggestions of material that you would like included in this manual or requests for more detailed information on a topic presented in this manual should be addressed to DLAR at 270-1194.

THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT

The care and use of laboratory animals is regulated and monitored by the USDA under the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The AWA sets minimal standards for handling, housing, feeding, and watering of laboratory animals, and it also establishes requirements for basic levels of sanitation, ventilation, and shelter.  The AWA, passed in 1966, continues to be revised and amended.

Our institution is visited usually once or twice per year by the USDA Regulatory Enforcement Animal Care (REAC) veterinary inspector, who checks for compliance with the AWA. The AWA also regulate: the use of anesthetics, analgesics, agents of euthanasia, sanitation practices, experimental protocol and humane treatments of animals, reviews the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) proceedings, species separation, experimental records, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, light cycles, and other matters.

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)

Institutions using funds provided by agencies of the Public Health Service (PHS)—such as the NIH—to conduct research on any vertebrate animal must follow additional regulations.  The PHS requires compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and requires that the institution send an assurance agreement to the PHS Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) every four (4) years.

SUNY Downstate is obligated to adhere to NIH policy regarding the use of animals for research. Failure of an institution or by investigators to comply with NIH policy could result in the termination of research grants and/or loss of eligibility for new investigator funding from NIH. The activities of the IACUC assure the PHS that animal care meets current scientific and humane and standards.

ASSOCIATION FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND ACCREDITATION OF LABORATORY ANIMAL CARE INTERNATIONAL (AAALAC)

AAALAC is an international association that provides peer review and evaluation for laboratory animal care programs.  Certification of a program by AAALAC is accepted by PHS-DHHS-NIH as assurance that an institution meets current federal policies related to appropriate laboratory animal care and use.  Accreditation is granted on the basis of evaluation from two sources:

      1.   Annual reports - submitted to the council of the AAALAC, these include an inventory of animals (by species), a description of the Institution's animal facilities, a description of the key personnel in its animal care program, and significant changes in any of these elements from prior periods.
      2.   Site visits - by groups selected by AAALAC from a list of peer group professionals; visits take place every three years.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center’s Division of Laboratory Animal Resources has been fully accredited by AAALAC since August 1966.

THE NIH GUIDE FOR THE CARE AND USE OF LABORATORY ANIMALS

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide) is a book prepared by the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) for the NIH. The purpose of the Guide is to help institutions address issues that concern the humane care, use, and maintenance of laboratory animals. The Guide was first published in 1963 and was last revised in 1996. It provides guidelines that are based on established scientific principles, expert opinion, and experience with the methods and practices consistent with humane care and use of laboratory animals. The Guide outlines the necessary standards for adequate veterinary care, facility environment and housing requirements, personnel qualifications, sanitation standards, surgical and post-operative care, acceptable euthanasia techniques, facility construction design, and occupational health and training.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) STATE OF NEW YORK

The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources at State University of New York is also regulated by the New York State Department of Health Subpart 55-1 Title 10, New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) “Approval of Laboratories and Institutions for Use of Living Animals”. We are required to submit an annual report with regard to the ongoing animal use program at SUNY Downstate.  Site visits and audits are conducted randomly throughout the year by the New York State Department of Health.

POLICY

DLAR adheres to the United States Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Animals. We base our standards for our animal care program on the Guide. Our commitment to NIH policy is confirmed by full accreditation of our facility and animal care programs by AAALAC.

Our activities are subject to unannounced inspections by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Animal Welfare Act and the New York State Department of Health, as well as OLAW.

ANIMAL WELFARE CONCERNS

No animal abuse is permitted at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.  If any DLAR employee has questions or concerns regarding the care and treatment of animals in the facility, they should call ext. 1194 for the DLAR Director, Attending Veterinarian, Chair of the IACUC, or Institutional Official. The institution guarantees no reprisals under the federally mandated whistle blowing policy.

II. INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

OFFICE HOURS

Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Animal Facility can be reached at (718) 270-1194 or FAX (718) 270-4095.  After-hour emergencies should be directed to ext. 2626  (University Police).

VISITORS

Visitors will not be permitted in DLAR without approval.  No children under the age of sixteen are permitted in the Animal Facility.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the event of a medical emergency or animal bite, notify the DLAR office immediately at ext. 1194. For emergencies that occur after working hours, contact the University Police Office at ext. 2626. Emergency and after-hours phone numbers are posted on the hallway bulletin board at DLAR's main office, BSB 9-3.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

DLAROFFICE:    270-1194  Call this number to arrange for training, keys, supplies, or equipment, or to report problems with animal care or equipment

FIRE/AMBULANCE:    270-2626  Call this number for fire and medical emergencies.  Also call this number for medical emergencies that involve life-threatening injuries such as severe bleeding, an unconscious person, or a person who has stopped breathing or has major broken bones.

POLICE:    270-2626  Call this number if you have witnessed a crime or need a police officer.

SAFETY/SECURITY:    270-2626  Call this number 24 hours a day for safety and/or security emergencies such as hazardous material spills, first aid assistance, or security problems.

MAINTENANCE:    270-1212  Call this number for maintenance emergencies such as floods from broken water pipes, gas leaks, or maintenance problems that require immediate attention.

INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for the overall program of animal care and use at this institution. This includes making written recommendations to the Institutional Official regarding any aspects of the institution's animal program, facilities, or personnel training.

The IACUC reviews and approves, or requires modification to or withholds approval of, those sections of applications or proposals related to the care and use of animals as set forth in PHS Policy. The IACUC notifies investigators and the institution in writing of its decision to approve or withhold approval of those sections of applications or of modifications required to secure IACUC approval as set forth in the PHS Policy. The committee is authorized to suspend an activity if the investigator does not comply with the regulations.

The committee conducts a semi-annual review of the Laboratory's program for the humane care and use of animals. The review consists of evaluating current procedures, protocols, and practices involving laboratory animals in research. Appropriate changes will be made based on the review. The committee also surveys the animal facility's research laboratories twice a year, inspecting the physical plant to evaluate the quality of animal care and use.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF ANIMAL PROTOCOLS

All animal studies involving vertebrate animals, regardless of the funding source, must be reviewed and approved by the IACUC. Investigators must submit written application to the IACUC liaison, who distributes it to the attending veterinarian. After his/her review, the application is sent to a designated primary reviewer. After that secondary review, it is forwarded to all IACUC members. Protocols are only approved by full committee review. After full committee review, the IACUC liaison notifies investigators in writing of IACUC's decision to approve, modify, or withhold approval of an application. If the decision is to withhold approval of an application, a written notification and a statement of the reason(s) will be provided to the investigator.

ANIMAL USER CHARGES

All animals are maintained at a per diem rate. Rate information can be obtained from the DLAR Office Manager. These charges cover routine animal housing, sanitation, health care, identification, feeding, watering, and monitoring daily, including weekends and holidays.

ANIMAL CENSUS AND PER DIEM RATES

A daily animal census will be maintained by DLAR staff for each investigator. The census sheets are located in each animal room on a clipboard. One sheet will be provided for each investigator in each room. The staff does a physical count of all animals in each animal room twice a week and records deaths, terminations, and new arrivals. Census sheets are collected on the 15th day of each month and replaced by a new sheet (Appendix 1).

ANIMAL ORDERS

All laboratory animal procurements must be submitted to the DLAR office. All orders must be written and brought to the office no later than 3 pm, Thursday, the week before animal delivery.

If it is necessary to receive an order weekly/monthly, then an animal standing order may be placed. When requesting a standing order, indicate the frequency of order (weekly, monthly, etc.). Orders may be periodically reviewed for changes in quantity and/or frequency.

In the event that an investigator must change or cancel an animal order, DLAR should be notified in writing as soon as possible. If standing orders are cancelled temporarily, investigators must indicate the date on which the order is to be resumed.

All animals are procured through reputable commercial breeders utilizing conventional or modified barrier facilities, which are extensively monitored for the presence of pathogens. See approved Vendor List (Appendix 2).

Species selection is based upon investigator protocol and supporting scientific literature. The operations manager in consult with the Attending Veterinarian must authorize transfer or purchase of animals from non-approved sources. Other research institutions are considered non-approved sources. All animals from non-approved sources will be quarantined prior to release into the existing animal colonies. Details explaining the quarantine procedures are outlined under ANIMAL ARRIVAL/QUARANTINE.

TRANSFER OF ANIMALS

Animals may be transferred from one investigator's protocol to another. The Animal Transfer Form (Appendix 6) must be completed and approved prior to animal transfers. Animal Transfer Forms can be obtained from DLAR staff. All animal records will be evaluated and the appropriate approved protocols must be on file.

PURCHASE OF ANIMALS

When requesting animals, fill out the DLAR requisition form as well as your Research Foundation Purchase Requisition forms (see appendices 7 and 8). Please remember that no order can be processed without the following information:
           1)  P.I.'s name and active protocol number
           2)  Animal species, strain, weight/age, quantity, and sex
           3)  Desired vendor and receiving date
           4)  Account number
           5)  Authorized P.I. signature
           6)  All animal orders are to be processed only by DLAR

Animals purchased from approved vendors will be placed in appropriate DLAR rooms upon arrival. 

TRAINING PROGRAM

In order to fully comply with federal regulations regarding appropriate training/education, all Principal Investigators and their staff must take the on-line training course that can be accessed through the web at www.aalaslearninglibrary.org (see attached program directions).

Required modules include: a) Module #1 - Working with the IACUC, non VA version, and b) all species-specific modules for your research program. This training program must be retaken every three years. However, investigators and staff are encouraged to revisit the training program modules annually. After receiving a passing score from each of these modules, a certificate of completion can be printed out, a copy of which must be attached to all protocol applications.

In addition, Principal Investigators and their research staff will also be required to view the DLAR Occupational Health & Zoonotic Disease Training video, developed in conjunction with the Employee Health Service. Attendance will be monitored by DLAR staff.

If a certificate of completion for the training course and/or viewing of the DLAR Occupational Health program has not been documented with a new or renewal protocol application for any individual listed in the protocol, then the project will not be reviewed by the IACUC.

Finally, Principal Investigators will receive and should become familiar with current DLAR animal use policies and procedures (including the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the USDA regulations, DLAR=s AAALAC program description, and Downstate Medical Center=s PHS assurance of compliance) and are encouraged to attend one or more of the DLAR Laboratory Animal Science Seminar programs scheduled throughout the year.
.
If requested, DLAR will provide additional training to all SUNY Downstate investigators, students, and technicians who will have direct contact with the laboratory animals. Individual or small group training sessions are provided, with lectures and video that will help familiarize participants with aspects of the laboratory animal research program. Sessions are tailored to the individual needs of the researchers. Additional training seminars are available to research staff members throughout the year.

AALAS TRAINING WEB COURSE PROGRAM DIRECTIONS

In order to access the site, a password and user ID name must be obtained in the DLAR Office from Ron Cohen or Lydia Bailey. The following course programs and exams have been currently developed for this program:

• Animal Care and Use Courses
• Introduction to Research Animal Methodologies
• Working with the IACUC, non VA version

In order to access this program

• Log onto www.aalaslearninglibrary.org
• Enter login and password
• Click on libraries
• Click on Animal Care and Use Courses
• Click on Regulatory and IACUC Compliance
• Introduction to Research Animal Methodologies
• Choose species related course
• Scroll down and click on COURSE
• When course is completed scroll down and click on EXAM
• A certificate of completion can be printed after receiving a passing score

EATING, DRINKING, SMOKING

Eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics in animal rooms or laboratories is prohibited by federal regulations.

HAZARDOUS AGENTS

Experiments involving the use of hazardous agents (i.e. infectious agents, carcinogens, or toxic chemicals) must be approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee prior to the submission of the protocol to the IACUC.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

All researchers entering animal rooms are required to wear clean cloth or disposable lab coats and should wear disposable gloves, face masks, and eye protection when handling animals. Hand soap is available in each animal room and gloves should be changed between cage handling. Disposable gloves, shoe covers, lab coats, face masks, eye protection, and head covers are available. These items must be worn wherever indicated.

EXPIRED PROTOCOLS

No animal work will be or is permitted without an active approved protocol. Protocols that have expired will have cage cards replaced with prominent red cards. The red cards signify that no work is permitted until the scientific protocol is renewed and approved by the IACUC. The institution assures that the IACUC will not allow work to continue on any protocol after the date of expiration until a new protocol is approved. The Principal Investigator will be required to return the key to the animal room to the DLAR office until such time as a protocol is approved by the IACUC.

PUBLIC ELEVATORS

No animals are to be transported in public elevators. Exceptions maybe made in the event that neither freight elevator is operative.

ADVERSE EVENTS

Adverse events are to be promptly reported to the IACUC. All adverse reactions to study procedures and unexpected events, the degree or severity of which is not consistent with the risks described in the current investigator's protocol, should be reported to the IACUC for review. Depending on the nature of the adverse event, the IACUC may require additional information. This process may be resolved quickly or might require additional time to implement recommended corrective actions.

On February 24, 2005, the Public Health Service issued a notice (NOT-OD-05-034) to PHS grantee institutions and to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) on reporting requirements of the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (see Appendix 11). Reporting is done by the IACUCs through the Institutional Official. The attached document is intended to advise all IACUC members and Principal Investigators how to determine what, when, and how situations (adverse events) are reported to the Public Health Service.

III. ANIMAL ENVIRONMENT, HOUSING AND MANAGEMENT

RECEIPT OF ANIMALS FROM APPROVED SOURCES

Newly received rodents from the same approved vendors can be housed directly in the same room as other animals from that source. No serology is necessary.

RECEIPT OF ANIMALS FROM NON-APPROVED SOURCES

Investigators requesting the shipment of animals to DLAR from non-approved sources, e.g., other research institutions, must fill out the following two forms: 1) Animal Health Information Form, and 2) Quarantine Arrival Animal Form (see Appendices 9 and 10). These can be obtained from the Operations Manager prior to shipment. Facility name, contact person, expected number of animals, and the shipping facility veterinarian's name and phone number are required as part of the proper acceptance procedures. Health status and quarantine space availability will determine when these animals may be received. Animals will be placed in quarantine upon arrival. Sentinel animals will be ordered at the expense of the investigator prior to animal receipt.

SHIPMENT OF ANIMALS FROM DLAR TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS

Investigators requesting shipment of animals to other institutions from the DLAR should speak with the DLAR Senior Veterinary Technician. Requests should be made at least two weeks in advance.

Animals are shipped Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Animals cannot be shipped on Thursdays or Fridays under any circumstances. Advance notification allows for health certificates and serology reports to be faxed or e-mailed to the receiving institution, and for assembly of containers and notification to the shipping companies. Receiving institutions will notify DLAR when they can accept these animals into their facilities.

Investigators should keep in mind that international shipments require extra time to coordinate due to regulations and time restraints. DLAR has shipping containers and gel packs available. The Principal Investigator is responsible for all shipping charges.

ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION

On arrival, all animals received are placed in appropriate size cages and an animal identification card is issued. Cage cards are not to be removed or defaced in any manner. The following information will be included on all animal cage cards:

1. Investigator's name
2. Protocol number
3. Extension number
4. Animal strain
5. Species
6. Age
7. Weight
8. Sex
9. Arrival date

If investigators must separate animals for any reason, the information on the original cage cards must be duplicated on the new cage cards. Cage cards are also available from the DLAR office. All animals must be identified for proper record keeping and to aid in locating animals. Other methods of identification for species are listed below:

            Rats and mice                           ear notch
            Guinea pigs                               ear tag, color markings
            Hamster and gerbils                ear tag
            Poultry, bats                               wing band, leg band
            Swine                                          ear tag, ear notch
            Dogs                                            cage card, collar, USDA tag
            Non human primates               tattoo
            Rabbits                                       ear tag, tattoo

ANIMAL ARRIVAL & QUARANTINE

Animals that are received from non-approved sources (i.e., primarily other research institutions) must have a health surveillance report and colony history that states that they are "specific pathogen free" (SPF) submitted prior to acceptance. These animals will be housed in the quarantine room for a minimum of 30 days. Sentinel animals will be placed in cages in the same room with the newly arrived animals at the expense of the investigator. Diagnostics are sent for analysis at the cost of the investigator. Once animals have tested negative for murine viruses, bacteria, fungi, and ecto/endo parasites, they can be introduced into the primary colony. Principal Investigators who receive animals from non-approved vendors will incur additional charges added to the per diem rate.

Serology, parasitology, microbiology, and pathology of quarantine sentinel animals will be performed after 30 days. Animals will not be moved into the general population until a satisfactory health report has been received. When quarantine animals have been cleared of all infectious organisms and internal and external parasites, they will be introduced into the general population. If, however, any of these animals test positive for any pathogenic organisms, additional procedures as required by the attending veterinarian will be followed until the animals are cleared for release to the general colony. Any need for deviation from this quarantine policy must be reviewed with the attending veterinarian.

SENTINEL ANIMAL PROGRAM

The DLAR staff maintains continuous health surveillance of rodent colonies through the sentinel program. All sentinel animals are exposed to potential pathogens of other animals within the room by mixing dirty cage bedding weekly at cage changing. The sentinel animal population is screened quarterly for the presence of specific murine viruses, specific bacterial agents, fungi and ecto/endo-parasites.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Animal food, bedding, caging, and equipment must be approved and ordered through DLAR.

ANIMAL FEED

Animals are fed commercial diets manufactured by Lab Diet – PMI Nutrition International, LLC. The food supply includes the following animal diets:

   Purina Jumbo Monkey Chow                         #5037
   New World Primate Diet                                 #5040
   Purina High Protein Monkey Chow               #5045
   Purina High Fiber Rabbit Chow                    #5326
   Purina Guinea Pig Chow                                #5025
   Purina Rat Chow                                             #5012
   Purina Rodent Chow                                      #5001
   Purina Autoclavable Rodent Chow              #5010
   Lab Porcine Grower                                        #5084
   Autoclavable Breeder Diet                             #5021
   Pigeon Chow                                                   #5405
   Purina Test Diet for Bats                               #9258
   Hay (Timothy)
   Earthworms, Mealworms, Crickets             Connecticut Valley Biological Supply

If investigators require a special feed, they should consult the DLAR Operations Manager

ANIMAL CAGE POPULATION

Federal guidelines and regulations have been established with regard to space requirements per animal. Federal regulations determine how many animals can be placed in each cage. It is the responsibility of the P.I. to see that all cages meet these regulations. Over-crowded cages will be divided by the DLAR staff at an additional cost if the P.I. fails to do this. Any exception to these regulations must be scientifically justified in the animal protocol by the IACUC.

ANIMAL ROOM MAINTENANCE

The DLAR staff performs routine animal husbandry and sanitation procedures daily in every animal room (Appendix 3). Food and water are checked daily, including weekends and holidays. Animal cages are changed according to the table below:

Rodents are normally housed on hardwood contact bedding.

Floors are swept daily and mopped twice per week. Investigators are responsible for cleaning up after themselves in their animal rooms. Animal procedures may not be performed in the animal rooms.

ESCAPED ANIMALS

Animals found out of their cages while still in their room will be placed in a cage labeled "Found Loose" with the date. If they are not claimed within 7 days, DLAR staff will euthanize the animals.

REMOVAL OF ANIMALS FROM DLAR

Regulations prohibit animals from being housed in any laboratory for longer than 12 hours. Animals must be carried in appropriate cages with adequate food and water, and the cages should be covered so that the animals are not visible. All caging materials and animal carcasses must be returned to the DLAR.

When returning empty cages, place them on a cart on the dirty side of the cage-wash room BSB 9-60.

IV. VETERINARY MEDICAL CARE

VETERINARY CARE

Veterinary care is provided by the DLAR Attending Veterinarians. Their authority and responsibilities include the following:

• Authority to suspend an activity involving animals if the activity is not being conducted in accordance with applicable provisions of the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide, or the institution's assurance;
• Oversight of the animal facility and animal care programs;
• Observation of the animals to assess their health and welfare;
• Instruction on the use of appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat disease and other medical disorders;
• Provide guidance to users regarding handling, immobilization, anesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia;
• Monitoring of surgery programs and postsurgical care; and
• Review and approval of all research proposals that involve the use of laboratory animals.

SICK OR INJURED ANIMALS

DLAR staff check for sick or injured animals daily. Investigators or technicians who find a sick or injured animal are responsible for reporting this to a veterinary technician. Signs of sickness include:

• Weight loss
• Eye or nasal discharge
• Abnormal posture or behavior
• Coughing or sneezing
• Lack of stool or urine
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Swelling or wounds on animals
• Alopecia
• Dull coat
• Inappetence
• Blood in the cage

MORIBUND ANIMALS

Principal Investigators or their designees must monitor all animals on their protocols (see below). The final authority on whether animals should be euthanized will remain with Animal Care Personnel and/or the Attending Veterinarian. Animal care personnel will make every effort to contact the Principal Investigator prior to euthanizing an animal. Principal Investigators must ensure that animal care personnel have contact telephone numbers for themselves and/or designees, including home telephone numbers and/or cell phones or beepers.

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS

ENDPOINT CRITERIA*

Rapid weight loss (15-20% within a few days)
Extended period of weight loss
Spreading area of alopecia caused by disease
Rough hair coat, hunched posture, distended abdomen or lethargy, especially if debilitating (3 days)
Coughing, rales, wheezing and nasal discharge
Distinct icterius and/or anemia
Rapid growth, mass or masses, or clinical signs of neoplasia
Central nervous system signs such as head tilt, tremors, spasticity, seizures, circling or paralysis
or paresis.
Frank bleeding from any orifice
Markedly discolored urine, poluria or anuria
Persistent self-induced trauma

            *Montgomery, C.A., Jr Onclogiacal and toxicological research:  Alleviation and control for
pain and distress in laboratory animals. Cancer Bulletin; 42 (4); 230-237, 1990

DEAD ANIMALS

Animal care personnel check for dead animals daily. Unless otherwise requested, all dead animals are placed in the necropsy room refrigerator for 48 hours prior to disposal. The animal death is noted on the cage card, the Principal Investigator is informed, and the animal is removed from the census sheets.

ANESTHETICS, ANALGESICS, AND TRANQUILIZERS

Federal law requires that anesthetic or analgesic drugs appropriate to the species and procedures in question be used in animal experiments involving pain or distress. Drugs may be obtained from DLAR veterinary staff.

EUTHANASIA

Investigators who request DLAR to euthanize their animals must fill out and submit an Animal Disposition Form, available from the departmental office (see Appendix 5). The DLAR staff will euthanize animals that are no longer needed for research projects.

Several programs have been instituted to insure full utilization and conservation of  animal resources. Some animals that have been slated for euthanasia will be transferred to the animal facility census and used as a sentinel animal population for that particular room.  Additionally, animals that are to be terminated may be used for new investigators, or technician/staff training programs that require basic hand-on techniques. Animals may also be made available for collection of blood and/or tissues samples for use by investigators. Investigators who have made requests for tissues samples will be notified prior to disposal of these animals.

Investigators may perform animal euthanasia only after receiving appropriate training and authorization by the veterinary staff. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Panel on Veterinary Euthanasia (2000) is the recognized authority for all animal euthanasia performed at SUNY Downstate.

SURVIVAL SURGERY

All survival surgical procedures must receive prior approval by the IACUC. The NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals recommends, “a dedicated space for rodent surgery should be utilized to minimize contamination. "The Guide" also recommends all rodent survival surgery should be performed using sterile instruments, surgical gloves, and aseptic procedures to prevent clinical infections. Investigators must supply their own surgical instruments for use in survival surgery procedures.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

All animals involved in survival surgery procedures must receive appropriate post-operative care. Prior to surgery, investigators must inform a veterinary technician of the location of the animals following surgical procedures. Documentation of all procedures performed on the animals must be maintained by the P.I.

NEEDLE/SYRINGE OR SHARPS DISPOSAL

All needles must be discarded in approved biohazard containers.  Disposal of sharps or syringes in any other container is prohibited.

RADIOISOTOPES

Experiments involving the use of radioisotopes must be approved by the Radiation Safety Committee prior to submitting the protocol to the IACUC. Animal cages, excreta, carcasses, and all other radioisotope contaminated material must be monitored and disposed of in the proper manner by the investigative staff. The Radiation Safety committee has standard operating procedures outlining proper disposal.

TRANSPLANTABLE TUMORS

Samples of all transplantable animal tumors must be tested for the presence of murine viruses prior to injection. All samples must be submitted to an appropriate referenced laboratory at the expense of the P.I. prior to receipt at our institution. Investigators requiring the use of this service should contact the DLAR veterinary technician.

V. PHYSICAL PLANT

LIGHTING

Fluorescent lights on a time-controlled system provide a diurnal lighting cycle (12 hours light, 12 hours dark), which provides an intensity of 30 to 40 foot candles at approximately 3 feet above the floor. Special lighting, such as reverse light cycles, must be arranged with the operations manager.

HUMDITY AND TEMPERATURE

Ventilation rates are periodically measured using appropriate airflow measuring equipment.  Humidity and temperature are measured directly by reading instruments located in each animal room and recorded daily by animal care personnel.  Humidity and temperatures are maintained for each species as specified by the AWA.

TRAFFIC FLOW

In order to minimize the potential spread of pathogens, personnel must strictly adhere to all postings on animal room doors. Please remember not to enter the “clean” side of the cage-wash facility. Supplies may be requested as needed from appropriate DLAR personnel.

BROKEN GLASS

Highest Quality, Friendly Service for both Animals and Mankind