Rabbits

Facility management

• Maximum barrier design and construction.
• Strictly controlled barrier access.
• Personnel are required to shower prior to barrier entry.
• Protective clothing, including gloves, hair cap and mouth mask, is worn in all SPF units.
• HEPA-filtered 99.9% fresh air supply. Positive pressure relative to outside is maintained in all areas.
• All diet, bedding, and other supplies are autoclaved, irradiated, or otherwise decontaminated prior to barrier entry.
• Emergency generator to safeguard integrity of barrier.
• Acidified/chlorinated and filtered (0.2 micron) automatic drinking water.
• Environmental controls that meet or exceed applicable standards and regulations.
• Light cycle: 14 hours light – 10 hours dark.
• Heating and ventilation systems are capable of supplying 15 air changes per hour.

Colony management

• Unrelated breeders carefully selected to maintain colony heterogeneity and productivity.
• Does are mated on a seven-week cycle.
• Individual recordkeeping of breeding performance and weights of stock for sale.
• Births are recorded daily; weaning at 4 weeks.
• Rigorous sanitation to safeguard animal health and to minimize research variables.
• Use of standardized Teklad diets (ad libitum), with additional daily supply of irradiated hay, to optimize nutrition.
• Comprehensive health monitoring program, meeting and exceeding FELASA Recommendations.
• Daily colony observation by trained animal care technicians.
• Animals are bred and maintained in polypropylene tubs, meeting EEC Guidelines.