Forms, Policies & Procedures

Live Rodent Transport SOP #PRO-017

Scope

This policy is applicable to all University of Delaware staff, researchers, students and technicians who provide care for and/or use animals for research.

Procedure

1. Rodents may be transported between animal housing and research laboratories on campus
2. Personnel transporting the rodents must be named on the approved protocol with the exception of vivarium staff.
3. Plans for transportation must be described in the approved protocol.
4. Primary Enclosure for Transport of Animals.
   • Limit exposures to allergens, waste products, and odors while providing sufficient air for animal respiration
   • Be the appropriate size for the animal being transported
   • be designed to prevent injury to the animals
   • contain the animals securely to prevent escape
   • contain animal waste so it is not released from the container
5. Mice may be placed in disposable containers provided by OLAM, or clean cages. Mice from different cages should be placed in separate containers to prevent fighting. Rats may be placed in clean cages. If animals are moved outside the vivarium, but stay within the building, the cages should be placed on a cart and covered. If animals are moved outside the building, containers or cages should be placed in a secure secondary container such as a tote bag or plastic bin with a lid and holes for ventilation.
6. Vehicles used for transportation must be approved by the Attending Veterinarian, and animals must be transported in a climate-controlled space. The animals must be transported directly to their destination.
7. Animals that are classified as biohazardous may require special precautions which must be described in the approved protocol.
8. Disposable containers may be discarded after use. Cages must be returned to the vivarium in a timely fashion.