Background

Pathogen control is critically important for both general animal health and for maintaining quality research. When infectious agents are identified in specific vivarium rooms, it may be necessary to euthanize all animals in that location(s) to prevent spread to other rooms which is highly detrimental to the research programs since:

• Data collected from sick animals may not be valid.
• Primary experiments for grants may be delayed.
• Publications may be delayed.
• Graduation time may be delayed.
  

Identification of infected animals is typically “after the fact.”  Thus, it is critical to ensure all individuals entering the vivaria are aware of the methods used to control pathogen(s) within and between the vivaria. Strict adherence to the following entry rules provides protection for all animals and research.

Related Policies and Guidance

• Policy 529-251: Training of Animal Users
• Policy 529-271: Authority of the Attending Veterinarian
• Policy 529-272: Ground Transport of Animals by UCR Investigators and Staff
• Policy 529-283: UC Riverside Vivaria Facility and Room Entry Restrictions
• Policy 529-301: UCR Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Lab Animal Care and Use
  

Policy

DESTINATION – A VIVARIUM

Transfer of animals between rooms or vivaria must be requested via the ‘On Campus Animal Transfer Request Form’ (available on the Office of the Campus Veterinarian (OCV) website or from the vivaria manager). The completed request form must be submitted to the vivarium area lead at least 72 hours in advance of the need. The animals will be transferred by vivaria staff and PIs will be notified when move has been completed. On a case-by-case basis, some labs may be given permission to move animals to the new location. Investigators may not transfer animals between vivaria or between rooms within a vivarium without prior written permission from the OCV.
 

DESTINATION – A LABORATORY (ON CAMPUS)

Sharing animals is strongly supported by the IACUC. However, all parties involved must ensure that the requirements under ‘Policy 529-251: Training of Animal Users’ are followed.  
Transfer of animals between rooms or vivaria must be requested via the ‘On Campus Animal Transfer Request Form’ (available on the OCV website or from the vivaria manager). The completed transfer request should be submitted to the IACUC for documentation. If the investigator(s) receiving the animal(s) has not had the orientation for the vivarium where the animal(s) are housed, they may not enter that vivarium. Transfer must occur outside the vivarium (white transfer boxes are available for transport of mice).

DESTINATION – OFF CAMPUS

Transfer of animals to another institution may be requested via the ‘Import/Export Animal Transfer Form’ (available on the OCV website) and a veterinarian health check may be required. Transportation containers must adhere to the requirements listed in ‘Policy 529-272: Ground Transport of Animals by UCR Investigators and Staff.’

Approved 4/17/2017; latest revision 3/21/2022