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IG009: Transport of Animals Used for Research and Teaching

IACUC Guideline Number: IG009, Approved By: IACUC, Approval Date: 7/11/2024, Version: 5

Transport of animals used for research and teaching is overseen by the Campus Animal Resources veterinary staff, including the Attending Veterinarian and designees. Transport of agricultural animals shall be at the discretion of the Farm Managers and the Farms Veterinarian as described in relevant SOPs. Transportation times should always be kept to the minimum necessary for the comfort and well-being of the animals.

  1. Contact CAR Veterinary Staff at carvets@msu.edu with any questions or concerns about movement of research or teaching animals between buildings, facilities, farms, campuses, around the state, or across state lines.
  2. All vehicles and trailers must be approved by the IACUC for animal transport and need to be inspected by the IACUC semiannually (please see “Vehicle and Trailer” section).
  3. If temperatures extremes are >85°F or <45°F, the exposure period of animals to the elements should be minimized to the shortest time possible and the transport should be done by Campus Animal Resources (CAR) services.
  4. Under no circumstances shall animals be moved using public transportation, such as buses or taxis.
  5. When transporting animals in a University owned vehicle, a tag should be attached to the keys indicating that the vehicle is used to transport animals and the potential for allergens to be present. Contact the Animal Handler Safety Officer within the EHS division at 517-355-0153 (or Email Environmental Health & Safety at ehs@msu.edu) for tag information.

Caging used for transport should:

  • Provide sufficient air for normal respiration.
  • Be safe for the animal(s) and species-appropriate.
  • Be secured with non-residue tape (e.g. options other than duct tape), bungee cords, rubber bands, etc., during transport to prevent escape of animals or spillage of contents.

Vehicular transportation for biomedical rodent models should:

  • Allow for transport in an enclosure covered with a tight-fitting top*, and be placed within a secondary container.
  • Allow for secure positioning of secondary container to avoid movement during vehicle stops and turns.
  • Ensure that cages are not stacked in a manner in which airflow is blocked or caging can topple over and spill contents.

*If rodents are destined for one-way terminal transport, use of provided disposable rodent transport containers is recommended; place disposable containers into plastic tote.

Pedestrian transportation for biomedical models should:

  • Ensure small animals (e.g., mice, rats, birds, frogs) are moved manually to the laboratory in secured caging*.
  • Ensure cages are shielded from temperature extremes, sunlight, car lights, or public observation by use of opaque plastic boxes, fabric, or other opaque covering. Animals must be able to breathe despite being covered.
  • Ensure transport of animals within a closed cage if they are to return to an animal housing facility.

*If rodents are destined for one-way terminal transport, use of provided disposable rodent transport containers is recommended; place disposable containers into plastic tote.

Vehicles and Trailers are to be approved by the IACUC and should comply with the following criteria:

  • Overall cleanliness: all transport vehicles should follow their respective SOP’s for sanitation
  • Temperature controls: heater, air conditioner in good working order
  • Safety: brakes, lights, etc. in good working order
  • Trailers: frames, tires, floor are in good condition
  • License plates/ driver’s license / vehicle registration: must be current
  • Secure and uncrowded transportation of species
  • Physical separation between differing species transported together

Occupational Health Considerations for personnel who transport animals:

  • Be aware of the risks to themselves and others of exposure to laboratory animal allergens.
  • Ensure minimal release of animal dander, airborne animal allergens and animal bedding into the environment during the process of moving animals.
  • Empty cages returning to central cage wash should be covered to prevent personnel exposures to contents.
  • Reusable primary or secondary enclosures should be sanitized between use to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, animal waste contaminants and allergens.

Contact the Animal Handler Safety Officer within the EHS division at 517-355-0153 (or Email Environmental Health & Safety at ehs@msu.edu) for questions/concerns on occupational health topics related to animal transportation.