Background

Pathogen control is critically important for both general animal health and for maintaining quality research. When infectious agents are identified in a specific vivarium rooms, it may be necessary to euthanize all animals at that location(s) in order to prevent spread to other rooms which is highly detrimental to the research programs using the animals destroyed 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 529-282: Transfer of Animals Between Laboratories
• Policy 529-301: UCR Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Lab Animal Care and Use

Policy

RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the responsibility of all UCR personnel and faculty members entering and utilizing UCR vivaria and satellite areas to adhere to facility and room order entry.  PIs are responsible for ensuring lab members are trained in concerns related to pathogen control and this policy.

TRAINING

All individuals must complete the Vivarium Orientation for the specific vivarium(s) they will access PRIOR to entering the vivarium(s).  Animal users from one vivarium may not accompany a colleague into a different vivarium until they have completed the orientation to the second vivarium.

VIVARIUM ENTRY

After training, individuals will be given access to the vivarium via key fob/badge or access pin code. Each individual MUST use their own badge/fob or access pin code to enter the vivarium and not allow others to tagalong as they enter the facilities. All visitors must receive prior approval from the Campus Veterinarian or the Vivarium Operations Manager and must be accompanied by a member of the OCV to enter a vivarium. All individuals entering the vivarium must wear the PPE required for that vivarium.

ORDER OF ENTRY: BARRIER FACILITY / NON-BARRIER FACILITY

Vivaria order of entry are posted within each vivarium. Individuals should check with OCV staff if unclear on order of entry. The barrier facilities must be entered BEFORE entry into non-barrier facilities/satellite housing. The barrier facility CANNOT be entered after entry into non-barrier facilities/satellite housing until the next day (24 hours) or after a shower and change of clothing.

Personnel cannot enter UCR vivaria following exposure to non-UCR animal or vivarium housing (e.g., another university) until the next day (24 hours) or after a shower and change of clothing.

ORDER OF ENTRY: ROOM TO ROOM WITHIN A VIVARIUM

Laboratories entering rooms housing their animals in a single vivaria may do so with the following restriction: rooms housing prey must be entered BEFORE rooms housing predators (e.g., mice before rats).

Investigators wishing to enter a room that does not house their own animals (i.e., for discussion with another investigator) should consult with a lead technician in the area/vivarium before entering the room.

Housing areas and clean-side cage wash facilities should NOT be entered after entry into the dirty-side of cage washing facilities.

Investigators must contact the vivarium manager prior to bringing equipment, supplies, paperwork, etc., into the vivarium.

Quarantine is a restricted area and laboratory personnel do not have access.

Approved: 4/17/2017; latest revision 2/14/2022