| UNIVERSITY ANIMAL CARE USERS' HANDBOOK |
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Animal Care at the University is centralized under the Office of the Vice President for Research through the unit University Animal Care (UAC). UAC is responsible for overseeing all procurement, veterinary care, and husbandry of animals used by the University.
2.1. Administrative Structure and Organization
Personnel: The administrative structure of UAC is diagramed on the following page. The Director of UAC oversees the entire program and reports directly to the Vice President for Research. The Program is then administrated through several branches of UAC.
Facilities Services is the section of UAC which oversees animal husbandry, animal procurement and supplies and the physical operation of the animal facilities. The section is headed by the Assistant Director of Facilities, who is assisted by Husbandry, Purchasing Coordinator and Maintenance Supervisors. At the AHSC, there is one husbandry Supervisor who oversees animal husbandry for the AHSC campus. The south campus Supervisor is based at the CAF. The Maintenance Supervisor, Purchasing Coordinator and Breeding Supervisor are located at the AHSC, but carry out their duties in all UAC facilities.
Each animal room has an assigned animal technician who provides daily care for the animals. For most rooms, two individuals participate in room care–one technician is responsible for weekday care; a second technician provides weekend servicing. Please check with the Supervisor of the facility you are using to meet your animal room technician. Facilities Services has several hearing impaired employees. These individuals communicate through the use of a TTY telephone. Should you need to contact a deaf employee, please call the appropriate UAC front office and leave a message for the employee. He or she will call you back through the TTY service.
Animal care technicians are the backbone of the animal care program and should be considered as important members of each researcher’s team. Because these individuals have daily contact with their assigned animals, they are often the first to recognize changes in research animals.
2.1.1.1. Standard Operating Procedures
SOPs are used for all husbandry practices. Investigators may request copies of SOPs for their animal rooms by contacting the Assistant Director, Facilities at 626-2055.
2.1.1.2. Animal Room Documentation
Individual Room Assessment Sheets are posted for each room. The data collected in the daily assessment includes high/low room temperature, humidity, procedures performed in the room each day, and numbers of animals found sick or dead. Many investigators find the assessment sheet a helpful documentation for G.L.P. studies. Copies of sheets can be obtained by contacting the Facility Supervisor.
UAC facility maintenance personnel are responsible for assuring that cages, other equipment and the physical building are in good repair. If any investigator notes a problem with cages, needed room repairs, or other facility maintenance problems, please report concerns to the Maintenance Supervisor (pager 793-6489).
2.1.1.4. Operating Hours/Weekend and Holiday Care
Facilities Services operating hours are 7:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday. Lunch shifts are split so that there will be personnel in the facilities during all hours of operation. On weekends and holidays a crew of three or more people is present to service rooms and check for sick/dead animals. An Animal Technician Senior is in-charge, and the Assistant Director or a supervisor is on call. Veterinarians are on-call nights, holidays and weekends.
2.1.1.5. Animal Purchasing Office - Ph: 626-4511
The Animal Purchasing Office is located in the AHSC. Prior to placing an order, it is advisable to call the Animal Purchasing Coordinator to discuss the strain of animals needed and the choice of vendors. UAC maintains lists of approved vendors for each species, and a selection can be made from any of these. NO ORDERS CAN BE PLACED UNTIL THE PROTOCOL HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE (IACUC)
UAC uses special Animal Purchase Order Forms, and these can be obtained in room 1128. Animal orders are due by 5:00 P.M. each Tuesday for delivery the following week. Late orders are only accepted until Wednesday at 5:00 P.M. for delivery the following week. It is always advisable to place orders as far in advance of the date needed as possible to assure availability of space and animals.
Harlan Sprague Dawley is the primary source of rabbits, rats and mice, as Harlan ships by climate-controlled van. Freight charges are levied on these animals. For all other vendors, there is a significant shipping charge associated with animal delivery. Carton and water kit/water substitutes charges vary from vendor to vendor. UAC can usually provide you with an estimate of cost for delivery, but actual costs are not know until the invoice from the vendor is received.
UAC receives price lists from vendors which state, "Prices are subject to change without notice." Therefore, we cannot guarantee that any estimated price is what will, in fact, be charged by the vendor. Anyone is welcome to contact the vendor directly regarding prices. However, we suggest that if you are able to commit a vendor to a firm price, you note the name of the vendor contact who confirmed the price on your Animal Purchase Order Form for future reference.
When an order clearly states a preference for a particular vendor, we abide by the preference. We cannot take the responsibility for ordering from a different vendor, even for a lower price, because we run the risk of going against the investigator's wishes. If the order states "any vendor" or words to that effect, then we will seek the lowest price available.
2.1.1.5.1. Import/Export of Animals
The ordering investigator is responsible for all charges incurred in the export/export of animals. This includes the cost, if any, of the animals and shipping. Other costs incurred are per diem during quarantine and testing, the cost of the diagnostic tests and any treatment rendered. An approximate price quote for the complete order is available upon request by calling 626-4511.
Fees and charges, if any, for consultation services to locate/research a specific strain, knock-out or transgenic animal for an investigator have, not been determined at this point.
INVESTIGATORS WHO DO NOT FOLLOW PROPER ORDERING PROCEDURES MAY BE CHARGED PENALTIES. ANIMALS ARRIVING WITHOUT PROPER PAPERWORK MAY BE EUTHANATIZED OR RETURNED TO THE SHIPPER.
The Division of Comparative Medicine includes Biotechnology Support Services, Pathology Services, and the academic and research activities of UAC faculty. The head of the Division can be contacted by calling 621-1330.
2.1.2.1. Biotechnology Support Services
The Biotechnology Support Services (BSS) includes the sections of Clinical Care and Experimental Surgery. BSS serves as a resource for the entire University of Arizona University Animal Care Program. Responsibilities of BSS include monitoring the health and well-being of all University laboratory animals, providing instruction and assistance for handling and performing procedures on laboratory animals, and assisting with or performing experimental surgical preparations for investigators.
2.1.2.1.1. Clinical Care Phone: 626-5015
2.1.2.1.1.1. Hours of Operation: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekends and evenings a veterinarian is on-call.
2.1.2.1.1.2. Treatment of Animals
The Clinical Care staff or veterinarians make daily rounds of all facilities to assure the continued maintenance of good health in all animal colonies. If sick or injured animals are found, the animal health technician or veterinarian will attempt to reach the investigator, prior to initiating treatment. In emergency situations, the veterinarians will provide immediate care to stabilize the animal, and then notify the investigator.
Treatment programs for animals are determined in consultation with the investigator. Advice is provided to the investigator on whether the condition, or treatment of a condition could impact the research results. In cases where treatment will alter the results, the veterinarian and investigator will make a determination whether the animal can be left untreated.
If the animal is in significant pain or distress, the veterinarian will recommend immediate use or euthanasia.
2.1.2.1.1.3. Euthanasia of Animals in Pain or Distress
The Clinical Care staff makes every attempt to work with the investigator to assure that experimental results are not affected by treatment of an animal. Federal law mandates, however, that the veterinarian in charge has the responsibility to provide humane care and alleviate suffering. In some instances, this will mean that animals must be euthanatized despite the effect on the outcome of the research.
2.1.2.1.1.4. Fees for Services
Treatments of diseased animals are provided on a recharge basis for the time and for supplies used. There is no charge for the veterinarians’ assistance. A price list of non-controlled drugs, supplies, and specific treatments is available from the UAC/AHSC office, 626-6702.
2.1.2.1.1.5. Technical Support
BSS can also provide technical expertise to perform animal procedures (gavage, blood collection, etc.) for investigators, if desired. There is a fee for technical support, which is intended to supplement and assist investigators' technicians rather than replace them.
If assistance is needed before or after normal operating hours, or if assisting an investigator causes an employee to work more than a 40-hour week, the investigator is required to pay time-and-a-half.
UAC maintains a stock of commonly used supplies and non-controlled pharmaceutics which are necessary in the maintenance of an animal facility. Investigators may purchase these on a recharge basis. For information on what is available, call the BSS Supervisor (626-7304) or the Animal Health Technologist (AHSC 626-5015).
2.1.2.1.1.6. Pharmacy and Supply
2.1.2.1.1.6.1. Controlled Substances
UAC is not allowed to sell controlled substances. UAC controlled substances may be administered only by UAC staff, such as in the surgery or in the maintenance of animal health.
2.1.2.1.2. Experimental Surgery - Phone: 626-7304
2.1.2.1.2.1. Hours of Operation: 7:00 - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Each of the individuals in the surgery section has a background and interest in experimental surgery. The personnel, facility and equipment are available to assist any investigator at the University with surgical procedures. Scheduling for these services can be done by calling the Experimental Surgery Laboratory at 626-7304 as much in advance of the project as possible.
The first step in setting up a surgery is to assure that your project has been reviewed and approved by the IACUC. Once IACUC approval has been obtained, the investigator should come to the surgery laboratory and obtain an "Investigator Needs Form.” This form should be filled out prior to scheduling in order to enable the Surgery staff to assure that personnel, supplies and equipment necessary for your project will be available.
When a surgery is scheduled at the AHSC, it is anticipated that the services of at least one of the area personnel will be available. Investigators or research technicians may perform procedures themselves, or may request to have the surgery personnel perform the procedures for them. At the CAF, if assistance is needed, this should be arranged in advance when scheduling the use of the suite.
At the AHSC, first priority in scheduling is given to teaching activities as mandated by the College of Medicine. Research and service activities are given second priority, but there is generally not a conflict between the two.
The AHSC surgery facilities are available for all laboratory animal species with the exception of adult farm animals. The CAF surgery facilities are suitable for major procedures in rodents and rabbits.
Personnel from the surgical service are also available to come to Campus Agricultural Centers to perform surgery. These can be scheduled in the same manner as discussed above and are performed in conjunction with the Farm Animal Attending veterinarian.
2.1.2.1.2.3. Charges for Services
There is a charge for packs, medications, instruments, equipment, and supplies that are used during the procedure. A charge for room use, clean up of the facility, and to cover prep room supplies such as caps, masks, disinfectants, etc., as well as for personnel time, is also levied. A price list can be obtained by calling 626304.
2.1.2.1.2.4. Investigators’ Responsibilities
PHS, AAALAC, and The Good Laboratory Practices Act require that the surgical team initiate Anesthesia and Surgery Records and Post Operative Animal Treatment Forms. These can all be obtained from Experimental Surgery Personnel.
Investigators using the Experimental Surgery must familiarize themselves with and be knowledgeable about proper attire for the surgery area and understand aseptic and surgical techniques in the animal species to be utilized. This information can be obtained through the surgery l provided in the IACUC training sessions.
2.1.2.1.2.6. Post-Operative Care
Prior to surgical procedures, the investigator should discuss the surgical program and postoperative care with the veterinary surgeon or other Experimental Surgery personnel. Assistance with post-op care is available upon request, but the establishment of post-op care and record keeping should be initiated by the investigator. The following post-op guidelines are recommended by UAC:
Place animal on towel and covered in a clean, dry cage without bedding. Animals can get bedding such as sawdust in their mouths and incisions while recovering from anesthesia and run the risk of aspirating it.
Covering with a towel as well as being in a warm environment (i.e., warm room or supplemental heat) are very important as the animal loses body heat from surgical procedures and from anesthesia. There should be NO DRAFTS on the animal.
Remove food and water bowls from cages that the animal could fall into or injure itself on while going through the unsteadiness of recovery.
Under no circumstances should an animal recovering from anesthesia and surgery be placed with awake animals or animals recovering from an earlier surgery. Cannibalism may occur.
Small animals that have gone through surgery at the same time and will recover in the same time frame can recover in cages together but in reduced numbers
Rabbits and larger animals should recover in a clean, dry cage by themselves with a towel beneath them and one to cover them (if not already mobile).
Check post-op animals frequently and turn them from one side to the other keeping them covered until they regain their righting reflex and ambulation.
Check incision periodically and assess need for analgesics and administer if indicated.
When recovered make usual food and water available and return to normal bedding.
Continue to check incision site, sutures and healing.
Information and blank record forms can be obtained from the surgery laboratory. For assistance with post-op care problems contact the surgery laboratory at 626-7304.
All NPO'ed animals must have an NPO sticker posted on their cage with the date of NPO, investigator's name, and UAC’s animal identification number. For all dogs, cats, non-human primates, and larger animals, NPO's must be requested at least 48 hours prior to the NPO date through the Biotechnology Support Services (BSS) Senior Research Specialist, College of Medicine, Rm. 1224 (626-7304). To meet GLP standards, all NPO requests must contain the specific animal identification number of the animal to be NPO’ed. If NPO's are canceled, the investigator needs to cancel with both BSS and with the Animal Care Supervisor.
For smaller animals (rabbits, rodents, and non-mammals), researchers may NPO their own animals or request BSS to handle the NPO. UAC assumes no responsibility for mistakes made when investigators NPO their own animals.
2.1.2.1.2.8. Radiology - Phone 626-7304
The AHSC facility has a radiology room which is equipped with a General Electric stationary, X-ray unit with image intensification capability. Film processing capability is not available within the AHSC facility. Cassettes are taken to UMC for processing. The radiology room is equipped with a number of x-ray viewers and positioning aids. The equipment is available to all animal research and teaching programs of the University on a fee for service basis. Equipment is operated by the staff of the Experimental Surgery Laboratory or qualified investigators or technicians.
The safety of the room is monitored by Radiation Control by in-room film badges and periodic testing. The equipment is maintained quarterly by the Radiological Engineering service of University Medical Center.
Use of the radiology equipment can be scheduled by calling the Experimental Surgery Laboratory at 626-7304.
Pathology Services includes the UAC Diagnostic Laboratory and Quality Assurance Unit. Pathology Services is overseen by the Chief of Pathology Services, who is assisted by medical technologists and research technicians.
2.1.2.2.1. Diagnostic Laboratory Phone 626-7661
UAC maintains a complete in-house diagnostic laboratory with capabilities to perform hematology, serum chemistry, serology, microbiology, parasitology, histology, virology, and molecular diagnostic assays. Electron microscopic evaluations are performed by the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. UAC uses the University of Missouri Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, local veterinary clinical pathology laboratories, and other, similar laboratories for supplemental and confirmatory testing as needed. The laboratory processes all animals/samples submitted for the animal health and environmental microbiologic monitoring programs and performs diagnostic necropsies on animals that die spontaneously.
The laboratory supports the research activities of investigators on a fee for service basis. Available tests and price lists can be obtained by contacting the laboratory at 626-7661 or visiting the UAC website at http://www.uac.arizona.edu.
The laboratory is available to researchers on a fee for service basis. Available tests and price lists can be obtained by contacting the laboratory at 626-7661. The laboratory is currently located in the Central Animal Facility.
2.1.2.2.2. Quality Assurance Unit
2.1.2.2.2.1. Health Surveillance of Colonies
Sentinel animals are housed in each rodent room and tested quarterly for common viruses, Mycoplasma pulmonis, and parasites (mice and rats are tested twice each quarter for corona virus, mouse parvo virus, and pinworms). Comprehensive necropsies are performed semi-annually and include comprehensive serology screens, parasitology, and histology of selected target tissues. Sentinels are screened annually for respiratory and enteric bacterial pathogens (during one of the comprehensive necropsies). Reports of all test results are posted in each facility and are summarized on UAC’s listserve Animal.Scoop. Positive results are immediately reported to the Chief of BSS, investigators are notified, and appropriate steps are taken to quarantine the animals and eliminate the disease. Follow-up testing is performed and posted in each facility.
2.1.2.2.2.2. Environmental monitoring
Quarterly environmental microbiological surveys are performed. Replicating organism direct agar contact (RODAC) plates or swab samples are used to assess sanitization procedures for animal rooms, cage washing areas, surgery, necropsy, laboratories, etc. Drinking water sources are cultured bi-weekly for bacterial pathogens. Autoclave efficacy is monitored monthly with biological indicators and with each load by temperature sterilization strips. If inadequate sanitization or sterilization is observed, steps are taken immediately to identify and correct the underlying cause.
A log sheet is kept for each room, and the temperature is recorded daily. Humidity and lumens of light are checked quarterly and recorded. Any deviation from normal is reported to the UAC Maintenance Supervisor, and the Facilities Management unit is called in to adjust the temperature, humidity, or lights. Light timers are also checked daily to assure proper function. Room logs are also used to record any other environmental problem, such as insects, broken equipment, etc. Problems are reported to one of the supervisors or to the UAC maintenance Supervisor for correction.
All feed is checked upon arrival to assure that no outdated feed is received. The oldest milling date is always used first, and in no instance can feed with a milling date greater than 90 days be used. Feed infested with vermin is immediately disposed of and all containers cleaned and washed. Plastic cards are attached to the food barrels in the animal rooms. The card will state the milling date, date the food was placed in the barrel and type of food in the barrel. A sample of each type of feed is tested twice a year for pathogenic bacteria. Feed companies are required to furnish data on nutrient content, chemical contaminates, etc.
Deionized water is used in most rodent rooms. The following rooms at AHSC have delivered or reverse osmosis (RO) watering available: 1205, 1206, 1208, 1209, 1210, 1211, 1212, 1257, 1259, 1260, 1261, 1265, 1266, 1267 and 1268. For all microisolator rooms, water is autoclaved. Water is checked bi-weekly for coliform organisms. Chlorinated water is supplied for all rodent rooms at CAF. Facilities Management monitors the quality of all source water used in the animal facilities.
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This page designed and maintained by K. Coronado
05/07/2008
