The investigator must order
animals through purchasing. At this time the IACUC Secretary
will
check for a current protocol and the approved number of animals
to be used. The Animal Care Facility Supervisor will also be
consulted
to determine space availability.
Upon arrival rats and mice are uncrated and placed into clean
cages segregated by strain and sex. Each cage is identified
with a cage card stating the investigator, sex, age, source
of the animals and the date received. Unless otherwise instructed,
the animals are given a standard diet and water ad libitum.
The animals are checked thoroughly for signs of disease or parasites.
For the first week, the new animals are kept isolated from the
resident population to prevent cross contamination.
Rodents are closely
observed on a daily basis for signs of illness or distress.
Ill animals are reported to the Supervisor. Animals which
are found dead should be bagged and placed into a freezer
unless other special instructions have been given by the investigator.
The cages are checked to assure an adequate supply of dry
bedding, food and water. The room is dusted, swept and mopped.
Once Per Week:
The animals receive
clean water. This may occur more frequently if necessary.
Two times/week:
Rats are moved to clean cages.
New cage tops are used.
Once/week:
Mice are moved to clean cages.
Sinks and other equipment are cleaned.
Water bottles are washed.
Other husbandry and housekeeping tasks are performed at
the request of the investigator.
When Rabbits have been delivered, the federal record of transfer
is completed. Noted is the type of acquisition, dealer's license
number, seller, USDA license number, and the number and condition
of the animals. The animals are put in clean cages and provided
with fresh food and water ad libitum. Each animal is assigned
an identification number and an identification card is prepared
for each animal. Recorded on the card is information such as
seller/breeder, date received, weight, name of the investigator,
and date and explanation of any procedures performed on the
animals while they are alive. A copy of the card is attached
to the cage and another copy is filed as is the federal record
of transfer. A separate page for each animal is filed as is
the federal record of transfer. A separate page for each animal
is filled out in the Rabbit Health Record to record the results
of the initial and weekly health checks. A health check should
include weight and general observations such as sneezing or
nasal discharge, soiled fur, sores on ears or back, or excessively
long nails. If an animal is ill or any distress or injury is
noted, the Supervisor should examine the rabbit immediately.
If the problem is simple (i.e. long nails or dirty ears) it
can be attended to quickly. If the condition is more serious,
the investigator or the veterinarian is called.
Daily Care:
Hosing the fecal collection pans.
Rinsing and refilling water bottles.
Checking feeders for signs of food dust or mold and filling
them with fresh, clean food.
The room is swept, including air vents.
The floor is mopped daily.
The sink and any recently used equipment are washed following
use.
Bi-Weekly Care:
Rabbits are moved to clean cages.
Weekly Care:
Water bottles are changed.
Monthly:
Rabbits are given a health check (including weighing)
each month and the information is recorded in the Rabbit
Health Record.
