Ordering of animals:
Animals can only be ordered from approved suppliers and after agreement with the staff at the Biomedical Laboratory. The health report must be approved by the veterinarian before the animals are ordered. Also, the necessary permits have to be present before ordering animals. This includes the project license and breeding license in case the animals are gene modified and are to be bred. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery, quarantine and acclimation before the study can begin. Import of animals from non-approved suppliers usually requires more time before the planned start of an experiment. Laboratory animals imported from non-approved supplier are placed in quarantine and will only be released after health control for specific pathogens. The cost for health controls are invoiced to the researcher.
Housing of animals:
Laboratory animals are only to be housed in classified areas of Biomedical Laboratory. Laboratory animals must not be taken outside the Biomedical Laboratory. An exception is when animals are used in in-vitro studies and the tissue cannot be harvested at the Biomedical Laboratory. Animals that have been taken outside the Biomedical Laboratory are not to be re-introduced due to the risk of contamination.
Health control of animals:
The Biomedical Laboratory carries out routine health control of mice and rats quarterly, including serological and bacteriological & parasitological examinations by PCR. Specific investigations of moribund animals or the occurrence of disease symptoms are undertaken. Researchers will always be informed about the occurrence of disease in their animals.
Transport of animals:
Shipment of laboratory animals to other institutions is possible only after agreement of the veterinarian, who is responsible for completing the export certificates. Animals must be transported in suitable crates, which are available from the Biomedical Laboratory.