Permanent Identification of Rodents

Investigators, especially those with rodent breeding colonies within the facility, are reminded of the importance of permanently identifying their animals. Permanent identification will provide protection against mis-identification of animals that may occur due to: 1) phenotypic similarities between animals; 2) weaning of litters and segregation of breeding animals between cages; 3) animals from different investigators housed in the same room; and 4) handling of the animals by a variety of personnel.

The DLAR husbandry staff will place cage cards on rodent cages as the means of primary identification. However, if it is imperative to the research project that rodents be identified, either individually or by group, it will be the research investigators’ responsibility to permanently identify their animals. Possible methods include ear tagging, ear punching, subcutaneous microchip transponders or tail tattooing. It will also be the investigators' responsibility to monitor their colonies to assure that animals are housed, or segregated, by identification number/method, as required, and that the identification (ear tag, ear punch, tattoo) is in place and/or legible.

The DLAR veterinary staff is available (444-2194) to discuss various identification methods and to provide training in identification techniques, if needed.