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DLAR Rodent Health
Surveillance Program |
The DLAR rodent health surveillance program is
designed to monitor the health status of mice and rats in an effort to
prevent, detect and control the presence of
specific infectious pathogens which may
adversely affect animal health and/or influence research protocols. Sentinel
animals serve as indicators of adherence to and effectiveness of barrier
systems, containment areas, and preventive practices such as cage
opening/changing, animal transport, quarantine, use of protective equipment,
introduction of biological products, etc.
This program is in effect for all rats and mice
housed in the Duke University Medical Center research program. To accurately
assess the risk of cross contamination and to ensure effective pathogen
control, investigator managed facilities also participate in this health
monitoring program.
Dedicated
“sentinel” cages of the same animal species are maintained on both sides of
each rack in rodent rooms. Sentinel animals are exposed to pooled dirty
bedding from study animal cages at each cage change. Four times per year at
least one sentinel animal from each side of the rack is collected and
processed for diagnostics. Sentinel animals may be processed more often if
necessary, as determined by the VDL. Results from the RSP are maintained in
the VDL. Abnormal results are reported to the DLAR clinical veterinary
staff, supervisory staff, and relevant investigators along with
recommendations for control regarding specific pathogens.
Once a year, parasitology, gross examinations,
histopathology of gross lesions, microbiology of upper respiratory and
gastrointestinal tracts, in addition to serology will be performed in GSRBII
facility.
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UNIVERSITY
AND MEDICAL CENTER
