LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE - SERIES II ...
LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE - SERIES II ...
LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE - SERIES II ...
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16 <strong>LABORATORY</strong> <strong>ANIMAL</strong> <strong>MEDICINE</strong> <strong>AND</strong> <strong>SCIENCE</strong> - <strong>SERIES</strong> <strong>II</strong>42. IdentificationThis image shows an ear punch (on left) and ear tagswith their application pliers—two of the methods usedfor individual identification of mice and rats. Othermethods include fur dyes, tattooing, micro-chipimplantation, and cage cards. Toe clipping is usuallyconsidered unacceptable because suitablealternatives are available. Permanent identificationmethods are required for studies that must complywith the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).43. Section title TRANSPORT <strong>AND</strong> HEALTH ASSESSMENTHealth assessment of animals following receipt in animal facilities isimportant to ensure their well-being and in minimizing and eliminatingvariables which could effect experimental integrity.44. Shipping cartonTransport cartons of the type seen in this image areused to ship animals. The cartons should be crushproofand, because of the potential for contaminationduring shipments, they should have filter materialcovering the ventilation openings. Boxes should beexamined for evidence of damage to the box or thefilters, and personnel should reject the shipment ifthere is any damage. Many facilities use chemicaldisinfectants to sanitize the exterior of the cartonbefore removing animals to minimize the likelihood ofcontamination of the animals.45. Moving animals The use of cages with filter tops when animals are transported to andfrom a laboratory will minimize the likelihood of contamination of theanimals. If animals are transported between buildings in inclementweather, they should be transported in climate controlled vehicles tominimize heat or cold stress. Familiarizing animals with transport willminimize stress.46. Quarantine Rats and mice should be purchased from vendors who havedemonstrated that their animals are free of diseases through the use ofeffective animal health and genetic quality control examinations.Quarantine can last as little as 24 hours but is usually for a week. Thisallows the animals to stabilize after transport. More importantly, itallows the veterinary and technical staff to observe the animals forsigns of illness brought on by the stress of shipment and to awaitresults of health assessment tests.47. Daily observation Research staff and animal care technicians should observe eachanimal at least once a day, preferably during the morning hours, toassess its health and activity. Abnormal activity, abnormal behavior, orevidence of ill-health can be brought to the attention of the facilitymanager and the laboratory animal veterinarian for additionalassessment, diagnosis, or action.