Now Available: Charles River Publishes the Companion Guide to Rodent Health Surveillance for Research Facilities
November 17, 2009 – We all understand that the health of laboratory animal models affects their suitability for research, which is why Charles River focuses on providing the resources that you need to implement an effective animal health quality control program within your research facility. We are pleased to announce the release of our Companion Guide to Rodent Health Surveillance for Research Facilities, which we have published to help answer your questions and act as a resource on health monitoring program design and implementation.
Our goal is to share the benefits of our years of industry-leading experience. The Companion Guide concentrates on health monitoring for rats and mice and includes a brief consideration of infectious agents as well as recommendations for the selection of assays, sample type and number and testing frequency. The focus is on the theory behind creating a health surveillance program, but microbial outbreak response and basic aspects of biosecurity are also addressed.
The guide also outlines practical considerations for veterinarians or vivarium managers who are implementing a health monitoring program. Topics include how to develop an animal health quality control program, including samples to test, frequency of tests and sample programs; steps to take in the event of an outbreak, including corroborating positive results, risk reduction and infection control; and basic biosecurity considerations for all parts of your facility.
The guide has been designed to be used as a reference for anyone (e.g., research staff members and animal care technicians) who may be interested in gaining a better understanding of the importance and thought processes behind animal health surveillance and biosecurity.
The Companion Guide was written by four Charles River professional staff members who possess more than 100 combined years of experience. The recommendations in this document are based on information from current texts, relevant scientific literature and actual experience working with both Charles River and customer rodent facilities.
To receive your copy, contact us at 1.877.CRIVER.1 (1.877.274.8371) or askcharlesriver@crl.com.