Importing Animals from Other Institutions

The DLAR routinely assists investigators in the importation of animals from other institutions (i.e. non-vendor sources). It is important for the investigator to plan ahead since there are numerous steps that have to be completed by both the sending and receiving institutions. It normally takes a minimum of three weeks, from the time of initial request until the animals are shipped, to fulfill the requirements of the receiving institution and arrange shipment. The steps for importing animals is outlined below:

Request for Importation

1)      The investigator must complete an “Animal Shipping Request Form” on the forms page and hit the SUBMIT button.

2)      With the information provided by the investigator, the DLAR veterinary technician will contact the veterinarian at the sending institution to request health surveillance information. The health surveillance testing must have been performed within the last three months. For large animal species, specific lab tests (based on the species), past medical history and dietary information will be requested.

3)      Before shipping arrangement can be made, all pertinent health information must be pre-reviewed by the veterinarian and the animals must be approved for shipment. Quarantine space must be located and reserved for housing incoming animals.

Importation of Rodents

1)      The veterinarian will pass the approved Animal Shipping Request form to the shipping coordinator who will contact the sending institution that is responsible for arranging ground and/or air transportation. The investigator will be contacted regarding the anticipated day of arrival of the animals.

2)      All rodents will be shipped in pre-sterilized, filtered shipping boxes.

3)      The shipping coordinator will contact the investigator when the animals arrive.

Quarantine Procedures for Rodents

1)      Healthy rodents approved for shipping will be received and housed in the clean quarantine area of the HSC facility. Please contact a DLAR veterinarian regarding the availability of quarantine space in other DLAR facilities. The minimum quarantine period is two months.

2)   All mice will be treated prophylactically with Fenbendazole® and Mite Arrest®. These medications treat for pinworms and fur mites, respectively.

3)      A sentinel animal will be placed in the room within one week of arrival. Sentinel animals will be bled once per month.

4)      All rodents must remain in quarantine until two negative sentinel tests have been received. The veterinarian will then approve the release of the animals into the main colony.

5)      If sentinel animals show positive test results during the quarantine period, or if the received animals become clinically ill, they will remain in quarantine. Each case will be individually evaluated to determine the most appropriate course of containment and elimination of the pathogen.

6)      Investigators may work not with their animals while they are in quarantine.

7)      Breeding of animals in quarantine is generally acceptable if the first sentinel tests negative for pathogenic agents, although there may be space limitations due to the size of the quarantine rooms. Please check with a DLAR veterinarian if breeding of animals during the quarantine period is required.

Quarantine Procedures for Large Animals

Quarantine procedures, including lab tests and quarantine time required varies for each species of animals. Please contact a DLAR veterinarian to discuss the specific procedures.

Special Restrictions

Please be aware that there may be airline travel restrictions due to extremes in weather. The airlines will not accept animals for travel if the ambient temperatures at the shipping and receiving airports are outside their guidelines (usually <32°F or > 80°F.) These restrictions may delay receipt of animals.