This required didactic training serves as the foundational component of the Rodent Colony Management and Programmatic Compliance series. It is designed to prepare research staff for the hands-on session by providing essential background knowledge and regulatory context.
Topics include:
- Overview of federal regulations and institutional expectations for rodent care and use
- Researcher responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy, and institutional IACUC protocols
- Requirements for ensuring consistent access to food, water, and species-specific husbandry practices
- Recognizing and documenting common health concerns in mice and rats
- Understanding and adhering to protocol-specific procedures and requirements to ensure all research staff are familiar with the protocol(s) they are working under, including necessary monitoring, provision of supportive care such as pain control, reporting or responding to animal health concerns, etc. to prevent animal welfare concerns
- Criteria for humane endpoints in addition to performing approved euthanasia methods and secondary methods
- Acceptable channels for reporting animal health issues and communicating with Laboratory Animal Medical Services (LAMS)
- Review of biosecurity risks and appropriate PPE usage for animal work within the vivarium and satellite areas
Completion of this training is required prior to participating in the hands-on session. Together, these sessions ensure researchers are equipped to provide high-quality animal care, maintain compliance with institutional and federal standards, and contribute to the integrity of the animal research program.