Quality Assurance / Surveillance Monitoring Programs for Rodent Colonies (25-Nov- 2003)

Introduction Quality Assurance/Surveillance monitoring programs used in contemporary rodent colonies are vital for prevention of clinical disease and also for prevention of adventitious infections (coming from another source) that could interfere with research. Critical decision-making about animal experimentation often relies on the quality and reliability of monitoring materials and methods. This priority must also be achieved with efficiency and at an affordable cost. The purpose of rodent colony health surveillance is to detect adventitial contamination (bacteria, viruses or parasites) at an early stage. Most monitoring protocols use specific pathogen-free immunocompetent animals as sentinels. They are amenable to serological, bacteriological and parasitological testing and act as sensors to document the microbiological status of a given colony. Sampling is typically set up to detect the agent in sentinel animals that have been exposed either via direct contact or through soiled bedding. Trained animal technicians, husbandry and research personnel are all valuable members of the animal health care team and are essential for a quality preventive medicine program. Their enthusiasm and interest should be cultivated, because they represent extensions of the veterinarian within the facility. It is paramount that they be trained in the fundamentals of observing and reporting animal health-related problems. Since husbandry supervisors and staff commonly observe the animals on a daily basis, it is critical that they are properly trained in recognizing clinical disease and maintaining the integrity of the microbial barrier.