Evaluation of Animal Vendors

All animals are ordered by the Research Facilities Coordinator from laboratory animal vendors approved by the Consulting Veterinarian.

Only "viral antibody free" (VAF), parasite free and pathogenic bacteria free rodents are ordered. Rodents are shipped in filtered crates.

"Conventional" rabbits are ordered and monitored for clinical signs of disease (Pasteurella abscesses or pulmonary disease, Coccidiosis related diarrhea, or ear mites). Clinical signs of disease are reported to the consulting veterinarian who advises on appropriate course of action.

Finches are ordered from "conventional" vendors and monitored for clinical signs of disease.

Occasionally animals must be obtained from the wild. These captured animals are monitored for clinical disease, and if clinical signs are detected, the consulting veterinarian is consulted.

Approval of commercial vendors is based on health reports originating from the vendors and the results of appropriate health screening tests contracted through commercial reference laboratories.