Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee, Yale University

Yale University
Institutional Animal Care
& Use Committee
New Haven CT
USA 06510

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Policy for Importing, Exporting, Relocating and Transporting Animals

Background:

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide) states that “all transportation of animals, including intra-institutional transportation, should be planned to minimize transit time and the risk of public exposure to allergens and/or zoonotic agents, protect against environmental extremes, avoid overcrowding, provide food and water when indicated, and protect against physical trauma”.

The Guide also states that each shipment of animals should be “inspected for compliance with procurement specifications and signs of clinical disease and should be quarantined and stabilized according to procedures appropriate for the species and circumstances”.

Effective quarantine minimizes the chance for introduction of pathogens into an established colony.
Coordination of ordering and receiving with animal-care personnel is important to ensure that animals are received properly and that appropriate facilities are available for housing.

Policy:

Transport of animals between animal facilities and laboratories significantly increases the risk for infection. Additionally, the transport of animals through public spaces should be minimized for the protection of the animal and the public. Therefore, all live vertebrate animals, including empty animal cages (soiled or clean), transported either intra-institutional or inter-institutional (using public streets) must be in accordance with requirements established below.

Requirements:

1) Transport using interior tunnels, enclosed bridges, corridors:

secure the cage to prevent escape (wide rubber band/tape around the cage or other secure fastner)
completely conceal all cages with a disposable paper cover or tarp to prevent viewing of animals. Empty cages must also be fully concealed
animals exposed to hazardous agents or species harboring zoonotic agents require species-specific containment devices. Please contact Regulatory & Safety Services (RSS), 785-4722
use the YARC Transport Route Map (located at YARC facility exit) to ensure the route is approved. All other routes are unauthorized and will result in entering restricted patient or public areas
REPORT CAGE SPILLS AND ESCAPEES IMMEDIATELY TO THE YARC OFFICE at: 785-2526

NOTE : Transport using interior tunnels, enclosed bridges, corridors do not require prior approval by YARC or RSS unless the following apply:

Animals housed in the laboratory > 12 hours: Contact RSS at: 785-4722
Animals are being relocated to a different room: Relocation of Rodents must be approved by the veterinary staff in advance. This process is initiated by filing a Request to Relocate Rodents form and is essential to prevent the spread of disease. This on-line form is available and automated through the YARC website at http://info.med.yale.edu/yarc/qa/relocate.htm
Arrangements for relocation of non-rodent species can be made by contact the Yale Animal Resources Center (YARC) at: 785-2502.

If any of the above exceptions apply, YARC must be notified and a request to relocate animals must be completed and approved prior to transport.

2) Transport not using public streets (between buildings using paths NOT public streets)

must be coordinated and approved through Regulatory & Safety Services, 785-4722, in advance
secure the cage top to prevent escape (wide rubber band/tape around the cage or secure fastner)
requires a transport carrier / secondary containment
special carriers may be purchased or a clean cardboard box to prevent public viewing of animal(s) and protect the animal(s) from environmental conditions
REPORT CAGE SPILLS AND ESCAPEES IMMEDIATELY TO THE YARC, 785-2526

IMPORTATION OF ANIMALS TO YALE UNIVERSITY
The introduction of animals from non-commercial and/or unapproved vendor sources requires prior veterinary approval before animals are imported to Yale. The approval process is initiated by filing a Request to Introduce Rodents Form. This on-line form is available and automated through the YARC website at: http://info.med.yale.edu/yarc/qa/introduc.htm. Arrangements for importing non-rodent species are made through the YARC Purchasing Agent at 785-2502 or 785-2526

EXPORTATION OF ANIMALS FROM YALE UNIVERSITY
Animals scheduled for exportation requires prior approval by the veterinary staff and must be coordinated with the receiving institution in advance. This process is initiated by filing a Request to Export Rodents form. This on-line form is available and automated through the YARC website at http://info.med.yale.edu/yarc/qa/export.htm . Animals must be packaged in accordance with YARC approved standards. The approved standards can be located at the YARC website http://info.med.yale.edu/yarc/qa/packingmice.htm . Arrangements for exporting non-rodent species are made through the YARC Purchasing Agent at 785-2502 or 785-2526

Shipping must be provided by an approved commercial shipper or by YARC. Animals may not be transported in private cars. Exceptions require consult and approval by the Attending Veterinarian and Regulatory & Safety Services before shipping arrangements can be coordinated through the YARC Purchasing Agent. Long distance (> 50 miles) requires the use of a commercial shipper and must also be arranged through YARC.

Transport of rodents between animal facilities and laboratories significantly increases risk for infection. Additionally, the transport of animals through public spaces should be minimized because of increasing public sensitivity.

Implication/Penalty:
It is important that these guidelines are followed. Relocation or importing animals without prior approval could result in inadvertent introduction of infection. Spread of infection within animal rooms jeopardizes the research of others by altering research results and may require depopulation or rederivation. In addition to untold costs to investigators, the additional costs to YARC elevates per diem rates. Therefore, penalties for not following these guidelines can include a suspension of approval to use animals. Department Chairs and the Dean will be notified should this policy not be followed.

As an FYI – infection outbreaks are a significant cause for increasing per diem rates. The average cost per mouse room is $25,000 per outbreak.

Reference:
Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 1996 edition

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE IACUC: 10/20/2004