Objective
To maintain the health and welfare of laboratory rats through an ongoing, systematic monitoring process that detects subclinical infections, ensures ethical treatment, and supports the validity of experimental outcomes.
1. Daily Clinical Observation
Conducted by trained veterinarian and animal care staff:
Checkpoints:
- Behavioural signs: Lethargy, aggression, abnormal posture, circling, head tilt
- Physical appearance: Coat condition, wounds, swelling, porphyrin staining around eyes/nose
- Respiration: Laboured or noisy breathing, sneezing
- Hydration & nutrition: Feed/water intake, dehydration (skin tent test)
- Excreta: faeces and urine output, colour, and consistency
Action:
- Abnormal findings are documented in the Daily Animal Monitoring Log
- Any clinical illness is immediately reported to the veterinary officer
2. Weekly Physical Checks
Performed by the veterinarian or trained staff:
- Body weight monitoring
- Oral check for malocclusion or lesions
- Palpation for lumps or subcutaneous swelling
- Perineal inspection for soiling or prolapse
- Foot/tail/ear examination for injuries, necrosis, or mites
Documentation: Weekly Health Status Log
3. Sentinel Surveillance Program
A core component of continuous health monitoring, particularly in barrier-maintained colonies.
Steps:
- Sentinel rats (2–3 per rack/room) housed in clean cages.
- Receive soiled bedding weekly from colony cages for 8–12 weeks.
- Post-exposure, sentinels are euthanized and tested for:
- Serology (ELISA/IFA): Sendai virus, RCV, Kilham’s rat virus, etc.
- PCR: Pinworms, Mycoplasma pulmonis, Clostridium piliforme
- Bacterial culture: Pasteurella, Corynebacterium, etc.
- Necropsy and histopathology conducted for thorough examination.
Frequency: Quarterly (every 3 months)
4. Direct Microbiological Testing (as needed)
When sentinel use is limited (e.g., conventional housing), random colony animals are sampled for:
- Faecal PCR or floatation (pinworms, Giardia, coccidia)
- Swabs (nasal/oral) for bacterial culture
- Serum collection for viral screening
5. Environmental Monitoring
We maintain stable and mice-appropriate housing conditions.
Parameter | Frequency | Tools/Method |
Temperature & Humidity | Daily | Thermo-hygrometer |
Ammonia Levels | Weekly | Ammonia strips/detector |
Air quality (IVC/exhaust) | Monthly | Swab testing, particle count |
Feed & Water Quality | Monthly | Culture testing |
Record: Environmental Monitoring Log
6. Quarantine Monitoring of Incoming Rats
Duration: Minimum 1 week
Procedures:
- Health certificate review from supplier
- Physical exam upon arrival
- Faecal testing for parasites
- Serology (optional based on risk)
- No entry into the main colony until veterinary clearance
Record: Quarantine Clearance Log
7. Euthanasia & Necropsy for Sick or Deceased Rats
- Rats showing unrelievable distress are humanely euthanized
- Post-mortem conducted by veterinarian:
- Gross exam
- Histopathology
- Microbial cultures if necessary
Record: Death/Disposal Register & Necropsy Report
8. Documentation and Review
All data will be:
- Entered in standard logs (daily, weekly, sentinel, environmental, etc.)
- Reviewed monthly by veterinary and animal care committee
- Maintained for minimum 3 years
9. Review & Quality Assurance
- Program is reviewed annually by the attending veterinarian and IAEC.
- Changes in experimental demands or mouse strains
- Updates in FELASA/CCSEA/AAALAC recommendations
- Internal audit findings and IAEC feedback
