STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES for QUARANTINE OF RABBITS

COMPARATIVE MEDICINE LABORATORY ANIMAL FACILITIES

  1. Purpose:
    This procedure outlines the quarantine and feeding regimen for all rabbits housed at the CM-LAF.
  2. Scope:
    This procedure applies to all CM-LAF personnel and principal investigators involved with the use of rabbits.
  3. Procedure:
    1. Rabbits are procured from approved, licensed vendors.
    2. All newly arrived animals are weighed and examined by a veterinarian or designated veterinary technician. Minor, non-infectious problems are treated.
      Upon arrival, physical exam will include:
      1. Items needed: Thermometer, alcohol, black permanent marker.
        1. Take temperature (clean thermometer with alcohol between each rabbit).
        2. Check ears for mites, debris.
        3. Check back and between ears for mites, scabs, debris, dandruff.
        4. Check eyes for discharge, clearness.
        5. Check nose for discharge - note color, thickness and inside paws and wrists for wetness due to dampness from nose.
        6. Palpate abdomen, feeling for lumps, sores, tenderness.
        7. Using marker, write animal number inside ear.
      Upon completion, record temperature and physical exam results (PE) on animal record. Initial at end of record.
    3. Sick rabbits will be rejected. Rabbits found to be suffering will be evaluated by the veterinarian, and will be treated immediately or euthanatized.
    4. Animals are assigned a Comparative Medicine Laboratory Animal Facilities identification number. At the off-campus locations, the procedures will be the same, except that a letter will be added to identify the location.
    5. All rabbits are observed daily, and any abnormalities observed are evaluated. Any rabbit which has symptoms of infectious disease will be euthanatized and replaced by the vendor.
    6. Rabbits used in acute studies will be quarantined for three (3) days. Rabbits used in chronic studies will be quarantined for seven (7) days. Any rabbit showing any symptom of disease within the quarantine period is returned to the vendor or euthanatized.
    7. No rabbit will be used in an experiment until the quarantine period is completed.
    8. After the quarantine period has been completed, the veterinary staff will authorize the transfer of rabbits to designated holding rooms.
    9. If any rabbit in a group of rabbits in the quarantine period shows symptoms of disease, the entire group may be quarantined for an additional period of time, at the discretion of the veterinarian.
    10. Euthanasia is performed with an overdose of anesthetic (Sodium pentobarbital).
    11. All procedures must be documented.
    12. Acquisition of animals from non-approved sources, or other institutions, must be authorized by the Chief of Veterinary Services prior to the animals being ordered.
      1. Unexpected arrival of animals from non-approved vendors or other sources may result in special quarantine, isolation, or euthanasia.
      2. Any costs associated with this must be paid by the investigator.
    13. The rabbit colonies of the CM-LAF and all satellite facilities will feed the presently used pelleted food. The quantity fed will be 100-125 grams per day. This is a measured unit of food, and the rabbits should not be fed al libitum. All rabbits will be fed free choice hay cubes immediately on arrival and throughout quarantine. New arrivals from any vendor will be on the following feeding program
      *:
      1. Free choice alfalfa hay cubes, each day.
        and
      2. First 12-24 hours -- No pelleted rabbit food
        • Day 1 - 25 grams
        • Day 2 - 50 grams
        • Day 3-5 -- 100-125 grams
        • Lactating Doe -- 150-175 grams

    Feeders should be emptied daily and new feed provided.

    NOTE: No attempt should be made to supplement diet without first consulting the veterinarian.

    *HRP, Inc.