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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE RESEARCH INITIATIVES
Procedure #:
Date Adopted:
Last Updated:
Prepared By:
Reviewed By:
Procedure Title:
02-009
6/25/2004
10/14/2011
Sarah Gilliam, Animal Facilities Manager
USM IACUC Committee
Escaped Rodent Policy
1.0 Purpose: To minimize the possible disease/pathogen exposure to the research
colony from an escaped rodent.
2.0 Responsibility: It is the responsibility of the individual finding the animal to follow
the procedures established in this document.
3.0 Applicable Documents:
3.1 SOP 04-003: Rodent Husbandry
3.2 SOP 02-002: Animal Identification Policy
3.3 SOP 01-007: Isolation Room Policy
3.4 SOP 03-007: Rodent Sentinel Animal Program
4.0 Definition:
4.1 Any mouse or rat that escapes from its cage, that is found running loose
within a room, or is found inside of a live trap within a room is considered an
escaped rodent.
5.0 Procedure:
5.1 If an escaped rodent is found within a room, it must be housed in its own
separate cage (refer to SOP 04-003: Rodent Husbandry).
5.2 The animal facilities manager should be notified immediately of an escaped
rodent.
5.2.1 The animal facilities manager will then try to identify the rodent
through use of its ear markings, location, coloration, and the
absence of any research animals.
5.3 If the animal is identified:
5.3.1 The appropriate cage card needs to be filled out with the date of
escape noted. The principal investigator should also be notified at
this time.
5.3.2 Certain conditions may be placed on the future use of the animal.
These conditions, if any, will be at the discretion of the animal
facilities manager, and the consulting veterinarian.
5.3.2.1 The animal may be subject to isolation from the rest of the
colony and health surveillance testing as part of these
conditions on the use of the animal.
5.4 If the animal cannot be identified:
5.4.1 The animal will immediately be placed into the isolation room.
02-009
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5.4.2
5.4.3
A census count of all research animals will be conducted to try to
determine the animal’s identity.
If no research animal is missing, and the source of the animal is
still unknown, then the animal may be euthanized at the discretion
of the animal facilities manager and the consulting veterinarian.
02-009