Animal Husbandry

Every effort is made to ensure the maintenance of a clean and comfortable living environment for the animals.

All rats and mice within this facility are maintained in microisolator caging within ventilated racks (Lab Products®). These cages are under positive pressure, while the racks and animal rooms are under negative pressure in order to even further protect these valuable animals. In the case of animals under quarantine, isolation or biohazard status, the cages are housed under static conditions. Most of these caging systems are changed once a week; cage tops and wire lids are changed every other week. Some rat cages are changed twice a week. The mice and rats are fed NIH Autoclavable Rodent Chow. Mice and rats are given chlorinated water in water bottles.

Guinea pigs are fed NIH Guinea Pig Chow which is NOT autoclaved due to the dietary Vitamin C requirement of this species. Vitamin C is oxidized by the high heat used in the autoclaves. This caging is changed twice weekly. Guinea pigs are given chlorinated water via an automatic watering system.

Xenopus and zebrafish are also housed in the facility. These species have special methods of feeding and housing.

Racks, floors, walls, etc. are sanitized and disinfected on a daily or otherwise scheduled frequency.

Contact the facility staff for more specific information on animal husbandry.