Veterinary Care

Even though this is a "disease free" facility, animal health problems occasionally do arise. The common problems seen include dermatitis, skin lesions associated with fighting, and conditions resulting from experimental and genetic manipulation of the animals. Animal health problems usually are noted first by our trained animal care staff. These individuals start an Laboratory Animal Clinical Record and notify their supervisor or an Animal Health Technician. The Facility Veterinarian is then notified and an appropriate course of action is determined. Except for topical treatment of skin lesions, investigators are usually contacted before a treatment regimen is initiated.

Copies of the Laboratory Animal Clinical Records for all sick and dead animals are provided to the investigators owning the animals.

Although the ultimate responsibility for the health of the animals in this facility lies with the Facility Veterinarian, it is acceptable for one of your Institute's veterinarians to manage the clinical care of individual animals. Plans for the treatment of these animals are communicated between the Facility Veterinarian and the Institute veterinarian.

In the event of an after hours emergency, the telephone numbers of the Facility Veterinarian, Facility Manager, and contract supervisors are posted throughout the facility. Other NIH veterinarians and staff are also posted as back-up.

Contact the Building 6B Shared Animal Facility Facility Veterinarian, if you have any question or concerns regarding the health of your research animals.