IACUC Policy #3: Rodent Transportation

On and Off-Campus

1. Personnel
   1. All animal transportation must be performed by Animal Research Protection Program (ARPP) personnel or the laboratory personnel listed on the IACUC approved animal protocol. 
2. Supervision
   1. NEVER LEAVE THE ANIMALS ALONE/UNATTENDED outside of the secured animal housing facility or laboratory.
3. Transportation between on-campus buildings
   1. Transportation on campus must be between the ACF and IACUC approved satellite laboratories.
   2. Opaque transportation cages or a breathable, opaque secondary container must be used.
      1. Opaque transportation cages are provided by the Animal Care Facility and can be placed in your animal housing room upon request (acf-l@mtu.edu).
      2. A clean transportation cage must be used each time.
      3. All cages must meet the minimum standards for size, ventilation, strength, and sanitation as required by the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
      4. Water bottles should be removed or turned upside down.
      5. Secondary containers must be approved by the ARPP Director prior to use (iacuc@mtu.edu).
   3. A maximum of two cages per person may be hand carried, larger numbers of cages must be transported securely using a cart.
      1. Do not stack cages more than 2 high.
   4. Interior routes should be used to the extent possible. If interior routes cannot be used, cages must be protected from inclement weather (rain, snow, temperature extremes).
   5. Vehicular transportation is not recommended for on-campus transportation.
4. Transportation between campus and off-campus locations
   1. The off-campus location must be listed in an approved IACUC policy.
   2. A temperature-controlled motor vehicle must be used for transportation.
      1. Use of a Husky Motors vehicle is required.
         1. Reservations should be made in advance to ensure availability.
      2. Animals must be transported in the passenger area of the vehicle and the interior temperature of the vehicle must remain between 68- and 79-degrees F.
   3. Cages must be secured while in the motor vehicle.
   4. Rodent cages must not be stacked more than two cages high.
   5. Rodents which are expected to be in transit for more than 4 hours must be provided with sufficient water and food.
5. Exceptions
   1. The Attending Veterinarian or designee may grant exceptions to this policy when it is deemed in the best interest of the animals.
   2. Concerns or issues regarding animal transportation must be reported to and will be reviewed by the IACUC.