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IG010: Guideline for Receiving Livestock to MSU Animal Facilities

IACUC Guideline Number: IG010, Approved By: CAR, Approval Date: 12/10/2024, Version: 1 

Scope:

This guideline applies to livestock introduced to the Veterinary Research Farm (VRF), or a South Campus Farm at Michigan State University (MSU) from an off-campus facility via purchase or donation.

1) A timeline should be provided to the Farms Veterinarian/Campus Animal Resources prior to movement.

  • The species of choice, number and specific animals should be identified.
  • Animal history, the intended use and any health information should be provided (see specifics below.)
  • An appropriate animal diet that will meet nutritional objectives should be provided to allow for processing at farm sites or to order from food vendors.

2) An appropriate signalment should be listed for each animal.

3) Provide appropriate health information:

  • Vaccinationhistory
  • Deworming history or any fecal analyses (egg counts)
  • Record of medical treatments
  • Prophylactic antibiotic regimen, if needed, to treat outbreaks of disease related to shipping stress
  • Recent Q Fever testing (for ovine) from an accredited laboratory. This should be completed a minimum of 2 weeks prior to arrival.

4) Animals showing overt signs of disease (respiratory signs, lameness, diarrhea, neurological abnormalities) may be rejected from entry to the facilities and returned to the farm for replacement.

5) Animals will be inspected upon arrival at the facility. Health concerns will be reported to veterinary staff.  Animal medical records will be maintained by the facility manager and reviewed regularly by the Farms Veterinarian, CVM or CAR staff.

6) Species specific requirements for various livestock or wildlife species will be determined based on the following:

  • The animal population currently at the farm or facility.
  • The new animal’s history and intended use.

7) Any current health conditions of concern to the species of animals entering the facilities (i.e. endemic or outbreak concerns, etc.). Veterinary Research Farms and agricultural facilities have entry limitations for research personnel and/or visitors:

  • With travel outside the US & Canada, persons should not be permitted into MSU agricultural animal facilities for a minimum of 7 days after travel, per institutional recommendations.
  • With exposure to domestic or Canadian non-MSU agricultural species, particularly swine and poultry, persons should not be permitted into MSU facilities for a minimum of 48 hours, per institutional recommendations.