Canadian Council on Animal Care

guidelines on:

procurement ofanimals used

in science

This document, the CCAC guidelines on: procurement of animals used in science, has been developed by thead hoc subcommittee on procurement of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) GuidelinesCommittee.

Dr. Michael Baar, Canadian Council on Animal Care (Chair)Dr. Sally Cleland, Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine, ReginaDr. Kathleen Delaney, McMaster UniversityDr. Susan Kilborn, Veterinary Internal Medicine Service, OttawaDr. John Kingma, Université LavalMs. Joy Ripley, Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, CalgaryDr. Craig Wilkinson, University of AlbertaDr. Gilly Griffin, Canadian Council on Animal Care

In addition, the CCAC is grateful to Dr. Denna Benn, University of Guelph, and Mr. Robert VanTongerloo, formerly with the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, who provided considerableassistance in the preliminary phases of this project. The CCAC also thanks the many individuals,organizations and associations that provided comments on earlier drafts of this guidelines document.

© Canadian Council on Animal Care, 2007

ISBN: 0–919087–46–9

Canadian Council on Animal Care1510–130 Albert StreetOttawa ON CANADA

K1P 5G4

http://www.ccac.ca

CCAC guidelines on: procurement of animals used in science, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. PREFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

SUMMARY OF THE GUIDELINES LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT . . . . . . . .3

2. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

2.1 Ethical Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

2.2 Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

2.2.1 Responsibilities of Investigators . . .5

2.2.2 Responsibilities of Institutions . . . .5

2.2.3 Responsibilities of Veterinarians . .6

2.2.4 Responsibilities of Animal CareCommittees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2.3 Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2.3.1 Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

2.3.2 Provincial/Territorial . . . . . . . . . . . .8

2.3.3 Municipal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

2.3.4 International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

3. CONSIDERATIONS IN THE PROCUREMENT OF ANIMALS . . .11

3.1 Intended Use of the Animals . . . . . . . . .11

3.2 Availability of Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

3.3 Breeding or Raising Animals Internally Versus Out-sourcing . . . . . . .12

4. SOURCES OF ANIMALS . . . . . . .13

4.1 Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134.2 In-house Breeding Colonies . . . . . . . . . .134.3 Livestock from Farms and

Auction Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144.4 Poultry from Commercial Operations .144.5 Animals from Pet Shops or

Their Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154.6 Dogs and Cats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

4.6.1 Purpose-bred Dogs and Cats . . . .154.6.2 Non Purpose-bred Dogs

and Cats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154.7 Procurement of Animals from

Another Institution or Animal User . . .164.8 Animals from Other Studies . . . . . . . . .164.9 Procurement of Animals from

the Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164.10 Use of Privately Owned Animals . . . . .17

5. TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . .18

6. RECEIVING ANIMALS . . . . . . . . .21

6.1 Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216.2 Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216.3 Acclimatization and Quarantine . . . . . .22

7. REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

8. GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

ii

This document has been developed by theCCAC subcommittee on procurement of ani-mals used in science. The guidelines outlinedwithin the document seek to establish best prac-tice for the procurement of animals to be used inCanadian science. For the CCAC, best practiceincorporates the principle of guidelines that arebased on sound scientific evidence and expertopinion, subject to peer review. The establish-ment of best practice also includes the adher-ence to ethical principles generally accepted bythe Canadian public. For the CCAC, these ethi-cal principles are described within the CCACpolicy statement on: ethics of animal investigation(1989), and are based on the Three Rs:Reduction, Refinement and Replacement, asoutlined by Russell & Burch (1959).

For the purposes of this guidelines document,procurement is inclusive of an assessment of the

standards of animal care used by the supplier ofthe animals, the quality of the animals, thetransportation of the animals and their han-dling during transportation, and any requiredconditioning of the animals upon arrival at theuser institution.

This guidelines document provides general recommendations that are intended to give animal care committees (ACCs) and investiga-tors an overview of the issues that need to beconsidered in the procurement of animals.However, each species will have a unique set ofrequirement in terms of transportation, quaran-tine, acclimation and conditioning, and it is recommended that other relevant CCAC guidelines be consulted, as well as relevantexperts and literature for the species underconsideration.

procurement of animals used

in science

PREFACE

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2. Introduction

Guideline 1:

The use of animals in science is acceptable only ifit contributes to the understanding of fundamen-tal biological or behavioural principles, or toknowledge that can be expected to benefithumans or animals.

Subsection 2.1 Ethical Considerations, p. 5

Guideline 2:

Investigators must use the smallest number ofanimals necessary to obtain valid information.

Subsection 2.2.1 Responsibilities of Investigators, p. 5

Guideline 3:

Prior to arranging for procurement of animals,investigators must ensure that the facilities andexpertise are available to care for the animals.

Subsection 2.2.1 Responsibilities of Investigators, p. 5

Guideline 4:

Where possible, institutions should strive toensure the animals have a defined health status.

Subsection 2.2.2 Responsibilities of Institutions, p. 5

Guideline 5:

The institutional veterinarian should have ulti-mate responsibility for ensuring procurement ofhealthy animals.

Subsection 2.2.3 Responsibilities of Veterinarians, p. 6

Guideline 6:

The acquisition of animals must be dependentupon the prior approval of the project by the ani-mal care committee.

Subsection 2.2.4 Responsibilities of Animal Care Commit-tees, p. 6

Guideline 7:

Acquisition of animals must follow federal andprovincial/territorial regulations, and facilitiesmust comply with all applicable regulations foridentification of animals.

Subsection 2.3 Regulations, p. 6

3. Considerations in the Procurement of Animals

Guideline 8:

Prior to procurement of animals, considerationshould be given to the type of animals required,the ability to house and care for those animals,and any potential impacts on other animals inthe facility.

p. 11

4. Sources of Animals

Guideline 9:

Appropriate documentation must be maintainedfor all animals procured by an institution or itsinvestigators.

p. 13

Guideline 10:

Animals should be obtained from reputable suppliers.

Subsection 4.1 Suppliers, p. 13

Guideline 11:

In-house animal breeding colonies should onlybe established when absolutely necessary, andshould be efficiently managed, consistent withanticipated need and the principle of reduction.

Subsection 4.2 In-house Breeding Colonies, p. 13

Guideline 12:

Preconditioned animals should be purchasedwhenever possible.

Subsection 4.3 Livestock from Farms and Auction Markets, p. 14

Guideline 13:

In general, animals used for scientific purposesshould not be obtained from pet stores or theirsuppliers due to the potential health risks associ-ated with disease transmission and the potentialhealth problems for the animals themselves.

Subsection 4.5 Animals from Pet Shops or Their Suppliers, p. 15

SUMMARY OF THEGUIDELINES LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT

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Guideline 14:

Dogs and cats specifically bred for scientific pur-poses must be the model of choice for studieswhere defined genetic, environmental and healthstatuses are necessary.

Subsection 4.6.1 Purpose-bred Dogs and Cats, p. 15

Guideline 15:

Institutions must only obtain non purpose-breddogs and cats where there is a well-definedarrangement with the management of the organ-ization supplying them.

Subsection 4.6.2 Non Purpose-bred Dogs and Cats, p. 15

Guideline 16:

Animals subjected to invasive surgery must notbe used in additional studies without explicitapproval of the animal care committee.

Subsection 4.8 Animals from Other Studies, p. 16

5. Transportation

Guideline 17:

A Standard Operating Procedure for the trans-portation of animals should be developed by theinstitution, its investigators or its employees.

p. 18

Guideline 18:

Those overseeing the transportation of animalsmust be knowledgeable about the specific con-tainer requirements, temperature and ventilationof both the container and the environment dur-ing transportation, care of the animals prior toand during transport, and the requirements forlabelling and documentation.

p. 19

Guideline 19:

All Standard Operating Procedures regardingthe transportation of animals must includeinstructions describing emergency responses, inline with the mode of transportation to be used.

p. 20

6. Receiving Animals

Guideline 20:

Institutions receiving animals must be preparedfor accepting the animals by providing properfacilities and appropriate handling by trained,experienced personnel.

p. 21

Guideline 21:

Institutions should be responsible for ensuringrecords are kept for all animals received.

Subsection 6.1 Documentation, p. 21

Guideline 22:

Institutions should have Standard OperatingProcedures for conditioning animals uponreceipt that take into account the species andbackground of the animals.

Subsection 6.2 Conditioning, p. 21

Guideline 23:

After transportation and before use in any exper-iments, animals should be acclimatized to theexperimental conditions.

Subsection 6.3 Acclimatization and Quarantine, p. 22

Guideline 24:

Quarantine areas should be subject to extra vig-ilance in monitoring the animals and in main-taining good records, in order to detect andrespond to any health problems in quarantinedanimals.

Subsection 6.3 Acclimatization and Quarantine, p. 22

Guideline 25:

Duration of quarantine should be appropriate toensure that the health of the animals under quar-antine and that of the conspecifics already resi-dent at the research facility is assured.

Subsection 6.3 Acclimatization and Quarantine, p. 22

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2.1 Ethical Considerations

Guideline 1:

The use of animals in science is acceptableonly if it contributes to the understanding offundamental biological or behavioural princi-ples, or to knowledge that can be expected tobenefit humans or animals.

The underlying ethical basis of CCAC guidelinesand policies requires adherence to the Three Rsprinciples of humane experimental technique out-lined by Russell and Burch: Replacement,Refinement and Reduction (Russell & Burch,1959). Animals may only be used if there is noalternative experimental approach to obtain therequired information. Investigators shouldexplore alternative models to animal use, andshould detail the efforts that have been made tofind replacement alternatives in their animal useprotocols (see CCAC policy statement on: terms ofreference for animal care committees, Section 3c;CCAC, 2006). The use of animals for biomedicalscience must be based on the appropriateness ofthe model for the scientific goal of the study, andnot on other factors such as economics or theavailability of animals within the institution. Thefewest animals appropriate to provide valid infor-mation and statistical significance should be used(CCAC, 1997), and the numbers of animals main-tained should not exceed the number that an insti-tution can successfully house and care for, as out-lined in CCAC guidelines. Support for Canadianresearch to meet the highest international scientif-ic standards of excellence and ethics is underlinedby The Canadian Institutes for Health Research Act(http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/c-18.1/30865.html).

2.2 Responsibilities

2.2.1 Responsibilities ofInvestigators

Guideline 2:

Investigators must use the smallest number ofanimals necessary to obtain valid information.

Guideline 3:

Prior to arranging for procurement of ani-mals, investigators should ensure that thefacilities and expertise are available to carefor the animals.

Early in any animal-based project or the grantapplication and peer review process, the investi-gator should discuss the proposed research withthe animal care committee (ACC) and the animalcare services, to ensure that appropriate facilitiesare available (e.g., appropriate housing, equip-ment and space). If the animal species or modelhas not been used within the institution previ-ously, the institution and its ACC and animalcare services should also ensure that animal carepersonnel and any research assistants have theappropriate training and/or experience andequipment to be able to provide for the needs ofthe animals.

2.2.2 Responsibilities of InstitutionsGuideline 4:

Where possible, institutions should strive toensure the animals have a defined healthstatus.

Institutions are encouraged to establish a goodworking relationship with animal suppliers.Where possible, site visits to the suppliers shouldbe carried out, in order to provide quality assur-ance of their processes and practices.

Reputable suppliers should be able to provideinformation on the health status of the animals. Itis in the best interest of the users (principal inves-tigator and animal care services) and the suppli-er to cooperate in the elimination of any undesir-able condition affecting the health and quality ofthe animals. This is paramount to the mainte-nance of the integrity of the animal facility itselfand to achieving the scientific objectives. Theinstitution should inform the supplier of anyundesirable conditions observed in the animalsreceived.

INTRODUCTION

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2.2.3 Responsibilities ofVeterinarians

Guideline 5:

The institutional veterinarian should have ulti-mate responsibility for ensuring procurementof healthy animals.

Veterinarians play a critical role in the procure-ment of animals. Their responsibilities include,but are not limited to:

• identifying potential sources and suppliers ofanimals;

• developing or assisting in developing in-housequarantine and conditioning programs andother relevant Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs), e.g., health and safety policies;

• educating members of the ACC andresearchers/animal users on the pros andcons of utilizing various sources, includingpublic perception and related concerns;

• providing assistance to researchers in selec-tion of animal models; and

• overseeing routine inspection of animal sup-pliers (including record keeping) when war-ranted (e.g., pound source dogs, privatebreeding colonies, etc.), and developing agood working relationship with suppliers tonegotiate appropriate holding times, deliveryand transportation methods, and animalselection routines.

Where there is no institutional veterinarian on-site, the consulting or attending veterinarianshould be responsible for ensuring that the aboveduties are performed. The CALAM/ACMALStandards of Veterinary Care (CALAM/ACMAL,2004) provides additional detailed guidance onthe responsibilities of veterinarians workingwith animals used in science.

2.2.4 Responsibilities of Animal Care Committees

Guideline 6:

The acquisition of animals must be depend-ent upon the prior approval of the project bythe animal care committee.

Each institution should have an up-to-date andongoing inventory of all animal experiments forwhich they are accountable, and procedures forpreparation of appropriate space and such otherarrangements as may be necessary prior to thereception of incoming animals.

At times, it may be necessary to acquire animalson a seasonal basis in anticipation of future use,for example in the case of farm animals.However, this should only be done in exception-al circumstances, and the animals should be sold,transferred or otherwise disposed if there is nosubsequent need for them.

In-house breeding of animals should beapproved based on the approved requirementsof the investigators. Other options should beexplored, such as embryo cryopreservation oflines not currently needed and purchasing ani-mals as needed from commercial suppliers.

For wildlife studies involving the short-termholding of wild animals, protocols should bereviewed in line with the CCAC guidelines on: thecare and use of wildlife (2003). If animals are to bebrought into the facility, SOPs for biosecurity andhousing must be approved beforehand.

2.3 Regulations

Guideline 7:

Acquisition of animals must follow federaland provincial/territorial regulations, andfacilities must comply with all applicable reg-ulations for identification of animals.

As well as the general regulations identifiedbelow, the regulations sections of relevant CCACguidelines should also be consulted (e.g., CCACguidelines on: the care and use of wildlife (2003), thecare and use of fish in research, teaching and testing(2005) and the care and use of farm animals inresearch, teaching and testing (in prep.). TheCanadian Association for Laboratory Animal MedicineStandards of Veterinary Care (2004) indicates theresponsibilities of laboratory animal veterinariansin sourcing and procuring animals, and this docu-ment is used by the CCAC as a reference forassessment of animal care and use programs.

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Any animals received as donations for researchshould have been released for research in accor-dance with the applicable regulations.

2.3.1 FederalThe Criminal Code of Canada

Sections 446 and 447 of the Criminal Code protectanimals from cruelty, abuse and neglect (http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/C-46/index.html).

The Health of Animals Act

The Health of Animals Act and its regulations(http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/h-3.3/index.html)are aimed primarily at protecting Canadian live-stock from a variety of infectious diseases thatwould threaten both the health of the animalsand people, and Canadian trade in livestock withother countries. This Act and its regulations areused both to deal with named disease outbreaksin Canada, and to prevent the entry of unaccept-able diseases that do not exist in Canada.

Under this Act, the Canadian Food InspectionAgency (CFIA) (www.inspection.gc.ca) is respon-sible for administering and enforcing the Health ofAnimals Regulations, which covers the humanetransportation of animals in Canada, and detailsrequirements for such elements as the provision offood, water and rest, protection from adverseweather, use of proper containers and transportvehicles, and segregation of incompatible animals.This Act and its regulations also specify that live-stock, poultry, animal embryos and animal semenexported from Canada must be accompanied by ahealth certificate issued or endorsed by a CFIAveterinary inspector, and that CFIA is responsiblefor testing, inspection, permit issuing and quaran-tine activities for live animals imported toCanada.

Fish and Wildlife Regulations

Permits may be required for the acquisition andtransport of fish. Advice should be sought fromFisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and theresponsible provincial government department(s).Marine mammals are also covered by theFisheries Act and regulations (http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/F-14) administered by DFO (see CCACguidelines on: the care and use of fish in research,teaching and testing (2005) for the relevant Actsand regulations).

The Canadian Wildlife Service (www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca) promotes the conservation ofCanadian and international wildlife and biologi-cal diversity by managing migratory birds andnationally significant habitat, and by providingleadership on other issues such as recovery ofendangered species (see CCAC guidelines on: thecare and use of wildlife (2003) for the relevant Actsand regulations).

The Wild Animal and Plant Protection andRegulation of International and InterprovincialTrade Act (WAPPRIITA) is the enabling legisla-tion for the Convention on International Trade inEndangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)in Canada (see Section 3.4.1). WAPPRIITA alsoprovides the authority to protect Canadianecosystems from the introduction of listed harm-ful invasive species by requiring permits andmaking it an offence to transport an animal orplant from one province or territory to another,or export from a province or territory, withoutthe required provincial or territorial permits.

New Substances Notification Regulations,Canadian Environmental Protection Act

The responsibility for regulating genetically-engineered livestock animals is shared betweenEnvironment Canada (EC) and Health Canada(HC), with support from the Canadian FoodInspection Agency (CFIA). EC and HC are bothresponsible for environmental and indirecthuman health safety assessments, while HC alsoassesses food safety of products and by-productsobtained from genetically-engineered animals.CFIA is responsible for feed safety assessments,and also for risk assessment from an animalhealth perspective. This approach is based onprinciples that are an integral part of the fore-sight processes that formed the basis for a feder-al regulatory framework (CFIA, 2004; http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/biotech/guidedirecte.shtml).

All new substances, including certain livingorganisms, are governed by the CanadianEnvironmental Protection Act (CEPA), 1999(http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/C-15.31). This Act isco-administered by EC and HC. The termbiotechnology is defined in CEPA as "the applica-tion of science and engineering to the direct orindirect use of living organisms or parts or prod-ucts of living organisms in their natural or mod-

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ified forms". This legal definition casts a verywide net. By extension of the definition, all live-stock manipulated through science and engi-neering are considered to be biotechnology-derived animals, including transgenic animalsand SCNT derived clones of animals. The classi-fication of a product as new is determined bywhether or not the substance appears on thedomestic substances list (DSL).

Any institution or individual who plans to manu-facture or import an animal subject to notificationunder the New Substances NotificationRegulations (Organisms) must provide Environ-ment Canada with a New Substances Notifi-cation package containing all information pre-scribed in the Regulations at least 120 days priorto manufacture or import. The information pro-vided will then be assessed by the NewSubstances program of Environment Canada andHealth Canada to determine whether the new ani-mal represents a risk to the environment, biodi-versity or human health. More information on therequirements under the New SubstancesNotification Regulations (Organisms) is availableat www.ec.gc.ca/substances/nsb/eng/home_e.shtml.

2.3.2 Provincial/Territorial

While all of the provinces have legislation con-cerning animal welfare, only certain provinceshave legislation which specifically addresses ani-mals acquired and used for scientific purposes(see below).

All provinces and territories in Canada have leg-islation governing the use of wildlife, and theappropriate provincial or territorial agencyshould be consulted when planning a projectinvolving wildlife. Licenses or permits arerequired for the killing, capture, holding, mark-ing, transport, trade, and sometimes release ofmost wildlife. This includes wildlife held forresearch, teaching, and interpretive purposes.

All provinces maintain legislation covering theconduct of veterinarians and as such, licensethese veterinarians in the execution of theirduties (e.g., prescription drug use and records,treatment of animal disease, humane euthanasia,etc.).

Alberta

Alberta’s Animal Protection Act and the AnimalProtection Regulations control the use of animalsfor research activities. The regulations specifical-ly state that a person who owns or has custody,care or control of an animal for research activi-ties must comply with the listed CanadianCouncil on Animal Care guidelines and policies(http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/catalogue/catalog_results.cfm?frm_isbn=0779741455&search_by=link).

Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, the Animal ProtectionRegulations made under the Animal Health andProtection Act state that the conditions governingthe care of animals used for medical or scientificresearch shall be those contained in volumes 1and 2 of the Guide to the Care and Use ofExperimental Animals published by the CCAC(http://www.canlii.org/pe/laws/regu/1990r.71/20060412/whole.html).

Manitoba

Under the Animal Care Act of Manitoba, no onemay cause suffering to an animal; however, theAct also lists certain "accepted activities" that areexempt from this as long as these activities arecarried out in accordance with a standard orcode of conduct, criteria, practice or procedurespecified as acceptable in the regulations. Theuse of animals for research and teaching is anaccepted activity, and according to the AnimalCare Regulations, section 4(4): "Animals raised forthe purpose of, or used in research and teachingactivities, shall be kept in accordance with theGuide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals[Volumes 1 and 2] and in policies and guidelines,published by the Canadian Council on AnimalCare, as revised from time to time" (http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/a084e.php). Asa result of this obligation, the CCAC's system ofoversight covers the breeders of experimentalanimals operating in Manitoba.

New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, the law only indirectly gov-erns the use of animals for experimental andother scientific purposes. Section 18(1) of theSociety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Actprovides that "[a] person who has ownership,possession or the care and control of an animal

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shall provide the animal with food, water, shelterand care in accordance with the regulations."However, under section 4(2) of Schedule A to theGeneral Regulation – Society for the Prevention ofCruelty to Animals Act, no one may be foundguilty of such an offence as long as he or she hascomplied with the CCAC Guide to the Care andUse of Experimental Animals (http://www.gnb.ca/acts/acts/s-12.htm).

Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention ofCruelty (SPC) has the authority to inspect andmonitor research laboratories, as well as breedersand suppliers of animals for experimental purpos-es. By means of regulations, the SPC may pre-scribe conditions governing the housing and careof animals kept for the purposes of sale, researchor breeding. However, the conditions laid downmay not conflict with the standards contained inthe codes of practice recommended for the careand housing of farm animals published byAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada or the Agri-Food Research Council of Canada, nor may theycontradict the CCAC guidelines. The regulationsindicate that no prosecution may be broughtagainst a person who complies with these codesand guidelines. While it has not yet been exer-cised, the Governor in Council of the province hasthe power to exempt any research conducted inaccordance with a control system approved by theCCAC from the requirements laid down by theSPC (http://www.gov.ns.ca/legi/legc/statutes/animalcr.htm).

Ontario

The Ontario legislation, the Animals for ResearchAct, creates a system of control based on the reg-istration of research facilities and the issuance oflicenses for supply facilities. In Ontario, allresearch facilities that use animals in their workmust be registered. Among the provisions of theAnimals for Research Act is the duty to establish anACC, and the requirement for any operator of aresearch facility to submit to the person designat-ed by the Minister of Agriculture, Food andRural Affairs a report respecting the animalsused in the research facility for research. The reg-ulation Research Facilities and Supply Facilities alsoprovides minimum standards for the housing,and care of animals and the regulationTransportation prescribes the conditions for trans-

porting animals used or intended for use by aresearch facility (http://192.75.156.68/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90a22_e.htm).

Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan's Veterinarians Act, an exemptionis given to researchers using animals at a univer-sity as long as an ACC that includes a veterinari-an has approved the protocol (http://www.qp.gov.sk.ca/documents/English/Statutes/Statutes/V5-1.pdf).

2.3.3 MunicipalSome municipalities across Canada have passeda prohibition on the sale of pound animals toresearch laboratories.

Some municipalities have by-laws regulating thetransport of animals, and these must be fol-lowed. Many municipal governments also haveregulations governing the holding or use ofwildlife within municipal boundaries. There areusually restrictions on the use of firearms andother weapons, and there may be regulationsrelating to the use of traps or other tools andvehicles.

2.3.4 InternationalImportation of animals for research purposesmust meet the requirements of the CanadianFood Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The transportation of animals from the UnitedStates into Canada is controlled by the USDepartment of Agriculture's Animal Welfare Act(1966) (http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm).

CITES

The Convention on International Trade inEndangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(CITES), in force since 1975, has 169 membercountries (as of 2007), including Canada.Member countries ban commercial trade inendangered species and regulate and monitortrade in other species that might become endan-gered. CITES applies not only to live animals, butalso to "Parts and parts thereof", which includesall types of biological samples (skin, hair, bones,blood, serum, etc.) (www.cites.org).

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The import or export of any animals on theCITES list requires a CITES permit from theCanadian Wildlife Service (CWS) and the appro-priate import or export permit from the provin-

cial or territorial agency responsible for wildlife.Some provincial/territorial wildlife authoritiesare also CITES permit-issuing authorities for thatprovince or territory.

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All decisions related to the procurement of ani-mals should be made long in advance of antici-pated use, since testing, quarantine and breedingof stock can take months, depending on thespecies. Attempting to shorten the acquisitionperiod due to time pressures can lead to poorchoices that endanger both existing and intro-duced stock and associated research. In addition,the process to approve animal use through theACC must take place before animals are acquired.

Guideline 8:

Prior to procurement of animals, considera-tion should be given to the type of animalsrequired, the ability to house and care forthose animals, and any potential impacts onother animals in the facility.

Potential sources of animals will be determined bythe health status requirements of the studies inwhich the animals are intended to be used, as wellas the conditions under which the animals will behoused. This is important both for the welfare ofthe animals and for the validity of the science.

3.1 Intended Use of the Animals

Where studies require animals with a high healthstatus, the animals should be procured from verywell defined and reliable sources. For example,some studies may require that farm animals beobtained from herds of known health statuswhich have been tested for exposure to unwant-ed pathogens (e.g., Bovine Virus Diarrhoea Virus[BVDV] negative cattle) and/or vaccinated.Other studies will require very specialized healthstatus, such as studies requiring SpecificPathogen Free animals that are defined by whichpathogens are excluded (e.g., for studyingCoxiella in sheep or Salmonella in poultry; orinfluenza-free animals for studying lung func-tion), or gnotobiotic animals (e.g., for xenotrans-plantation or other studies requiring microbio-logically naïve status).

Animals required for short-term (acute, non-sur-vival) studies may have different health require-

ments than those used in long-term (chronic)studies. For example, if an animal is to be eutha-nized for tissue collection, the health require-ments necessary to protect an existing popula-tion may be less than if the animal is to behoused for a period of time.

Where knowledge of an animal’s history (e.g.,nutritional background, disease exposure, etc.) isnot necessary, obtaining animals from a randomor unknown source may be acceptable. These ani-mals are not recommended for most uses; howev-er, they may be suitable for some studies, such asteaching and acute tissue collection. Possiblesources of these animals are auction markets andfrom within or between cohorts or studies.

3.2 Availability of Facilities

Prior to the procurement of animals, considera-tion should be given to the available facilities,both in terms of the needs of the new animalsand the impact on the existing animals whennew animals are introduced. The previous hous-ing conditions of the animals should also betaken into consideration. For example, sheepbrought indoors may suffer from heat stress ifthey have been housed outdoors during the falland winter.

New animals obtained and introduced must notcompromise or otherwise endanger the biosecu-rity of existing colonies/herds/flocks or individ-uals of the same or other species. The ability toquarantine the animals on arrival should be con-sidered, particularly in terms of space, facilitydesign and staff, to allow quarantine for condi-tioning, vaccination, testing, etc. Alternatively,arrangements may need to be made to do thisoff-site.

If all-in/all-out flow of animals is possible, thenthe introduction of new animals is less risky interms of introduction of pathogens to the exist-ing population, or of infecting new arrivals withexisting disease. Where there is a constant inflowof animals, the disease status of the animals

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should be better defined through testing andquarantine, preconditioning by vaccination, etc.

The presence of other conspecifics in the samefacility should be considered. For example, ifonly one researcher is using poultry, there is littleconcern about infecting other birds with avianpathogens; however, the presence of diseasesthat might be zoonotic or cross to other animalspecies (e.g., salmonella) must be considered.

3.3 Breeding or Raising AnimalsInternally Versus Out-sourcing

Some of the factors to be considered in determin-ing whether animals should be bred or raised in-house or outsourced include:

• space available (depends on the number ofanimals required);

• facility suitability (e.g., ability to isolate fromother animals);

• staff availability and knowledge of specifichusbandry/breeding requirements;

• cost;

• amount of time required to raise the animalsto an age suited to their intended use;

• availability of a reliable supplier that can pro-vide animals on demand; and

• ability to contract out breeding or raising ani-mals to needed age.

If the decision is made to breed animals internal-ly, further consideration should be given to thedesired breed characteristics and availability ofanimals. For example, domestic swine are not auniform population in commercial production;there are multiple strains within breeds and theanimals are highly selected for commerciallydesirable parameters such as fecundity, growthand carcass composition. In many situations, thelogistics involved in breeding animals (e.g., spaceand animal care staff time) may be prohibitive.

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Guideline 9:

Appropriate documentation must be main-tained for all animals procured by an institu-tion or its investigators.

Such documentation should include date ofbirth/age or date of arrival at source, specificsource (e.g., in-house breeding stock, voluntarysurrender by owner, etc.), shipment date, ship-ping weight (if applicable), breed/strain, healthstatus, etc.

All cattle procured for scientific use must betagged with a Canadian Cattle IdentificationAgency (CCIA) approved Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID) tag. For more information,see http://www.canadaid.com/Producer/. Thereis also a mandatory tagging program for sheepthrough the Canadian Sheep IdentificationProgram (http://www.cansheep.ca/english/id_rationale.htm).

4.1 Suppliers

Suppliers are commercial enterprises whose busi-ness is the sale of animals for scientific purposes.

Guideline 10:

Animals should be obtained from reputablesuppliers.

Animals should be obtained from the most well-defined and characterized source possible. A rep-utable supplier is a supplier with whom the insti-tution has a positive pre-existing relationship, orhas been recommended by other institutionswho have had a positive relationship and whosereputation is based on humane, safe and timelysupply and transport of healthy animals. It isalmost always preferable to obtain standard lab-oratory species from an established breeder orsupplier. All commercial suppliers of laboratoryanimals, regardless of whether or not they comeunder provincial legislation, are expected to pro-vide housing facilities and to follow animal care

practices equivalent to standards required byCCAC guidelines.

Good relationships should be established betweeninstitutions and suppliers (see Section 2.2.2Responsibilities of Institutions). Suppliers should,if requested, provide detailed information onhealth status monitoring, breeding and healthpractices followed, as well as the conditions underwhich the animals were previously housed.

In acquiring farm animals for use in research,teaching and testing, institutions should beaware that different genotypes have differentenvironmental and management requirementswhich must be taken into consideration.

In cases where genetically-engineered animalsare being acquired, it is both an ethical duty anda research necessity that the animals come fromreputable suppliers or institutions. Additionally,reputable suppliers/institutions should be ableto provide the information for completion of thegenetically-engineered animal information docu-ment that is required by ACCs (see CCAC guide-lines on: genetically-engineered animals, in prep.).

For procurement of wild animals, see section 4.9Procurement of Animals from the Field.

4.2 In-house Breeding ColoniesGuideline 11:

In-house animal breeding colonies shouldonly be established when absolutely neces-sary, and should be efficiently managed, con-sistent with anticipated need and the princi-ple of reduction.

The decision to establish a breeding colony pro-gram in a research institution is one that theinvestigator and the ACC should always studycarefully in terms of the nature of the project.Unless breeding is an integral, even essential,part of the scientific exercise, thorough evalua-tion must be undertaken of: 1) the ultimate num-bers of animals that will have to be produced

SOURCES OF ANIMALS

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versus the actual numbers that will be utilized;and 2) the cost to the institution of animals bredwithin the facility (including the occupancy ofvaluable and costly space which will no longerbe available for other scientific purposes). Smallin-house breeding programs almost alwaysinvolve the need to dispose of animals superflu-ous to the needs of the project, and the mainte-nance of excess breeders in order to try to copewith fluctuating demands. Detailed records mustbe kept for all breeding colonies.

Animals involved in a breeding program mustbe housed and cared for according to the relevantCCAC guidelines (i.e. Guide to the Care and Use ofExperimental Animals, volume 2 (1984); CCACguidelines on: the care and use of fish in research,teaching and testing (2005); CCAC guidelines on: thecare and use of wildlife (2003); CCAC guidelines on:the care and use of farm animals in research, teachingand testing, in prep.). It is essential that thoseworking with the animals in a breeding programare knowledgeable of the anatomy, behaviourand physiology of reproduction for the animalsconcerned.

For the maintenance of a genetically-engineeredline, large numbers of animals are ofteninvolved, requiring excellent colony manage-ment. Careful tracking of the numbers of animalsproduced and the number actually used can helpmanagers reduce the numbers of surplus ani-mals generated, and also avoid short-falls in thenumbers of animals required for the research.The use of software should be considered to helpwith management (Hetherington et al., 2000).

Maintaining a genetically-engineered animal lineby breeding heterozygotes produces non-geneti-cally-engineered animals (the wildtype homozy-gotes), heterozygotes, and homozygotes. Unlessthe wildtype and heterozygotes are required forcomparison to the mutant homozygote, thismeans surplus animals are generated. Therefore,in general it is preferable to maintain the geneti-cally-engineered line through breeding homozy-gotes. However, where an adverse phenotype isobserved or compounded in the homozygoticstate, consistent with the research goals, maintain-ing the colony as hemizygotes or heterozygotesmay minimize the effects of the compromisedphenotype on the animals (Robinson et al., 2003).

4.3 Livestock from Farms andAuction Markets

Guideline 12:

Preconditioned animals should be purchasedwhenever possible.

When acquiring animals of unknown origin orfrom stockyards or farms, an assessment of thehealth status of the herd should first be made(FASS, 1999). Once the animals are obtained, theyshould be quarantined in accordance with estab-lished SOPs, in order to minimize the spread ofdiseases to other animals in the facility (seeSection 6.3 Acclimatization and Quarantine).

Purchasing pre-conditioned cattle (weaned, cas-trated, de-horned, vaccinated at least 30 daysprior to sale and having prior feed bunk experi-ence) is recommended to reduce animal stressand ensure efficacy of vaccination.

As far as possible, institutions should purchasepolled cattle that have not been branded. Bothbranding and dehorning are invasive practicesthat have a considerable impact on the long-termwell-being of the animals (For example, seeGoonewardene & Hand, 1991; Schwartzkopf-Genswein et al., 1997). Calves should not be pur-chased from sources that do not provide calveswith sufficient colostrum. Where possible, totalserum protein levels of calves should be deter-mined by refractometer prior to purchase. Totalserum protein at 24-48 hours of age should be>5.5g total protein/dL (Besser & Gay, 1994;Weaver et al., 2000).

4.4 Poultry from CommercialOperations

Institutions acquiring poultry from commercialoperations should ensure that the standards ofthose operations meet the Recommended Code ofPractice for Chickens, Turkeys and Breeders fromHatchery to Processing Plant (CARC, 2003; http://www.nfacc.ca/code.aspx).

The particular characteristics of the poultryrequired for the study should be identified, asbroiler chickens are very different from layinghens. Over the past 25 years, the divergence in

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selection pressure has made the biology, nutri-tion, behaviour, etc. of these birds quite different.

4.5 Animals from Pet Shops orTheir Suppliers

Guideline 13:

In general, animals used for scientific purpos-es should not be obtained from pet stores ortheir suppliers due to the potential healthrisks associated with disease transmissionand the potential health problems for theseanimals themselves.

The purchase of pet store animals for researchpurposes raises issues concerning the health ofthe animals, their genetic history, the potentialfor disease transfer and the need to quarantineand condition the animals prior to use; thesemust be addressed as part of any decision tosource animals from the pet industry. The PetIndustry Joint Advisory Council of Canada(PIJAC) represents the pet industry, includingpet stores, and has a specific code of practice inplace to encourage the sale of healthy animals(http://www.pijaccanada.com/English/m_code_of_practice.cfm). These suppliers should alsoadhere to A Code of Practice for Canadian KennelOperations (CVMA, 2007) and Canadian CatteryOperations (CVMA, in press).

In Ontario, it is illegal under the Animals forResearch Act to obtain animals for research, teach-ing or testing from pet stores, unless a personwishes to purchase or otherwise acquire an ani-mal for use in a research facility and the animalsis not of a type that may be readily purchased orotherwise acquired under the Act by reason of itsspecies or strain or by reason of any specific dis-ease or condition desired of the animal.

4.6 Dogs and Cats

4.6.1 Purpose-bred Dogs and CatsGuideline 14:

Dogs and cats specifically bred for scientificpurposes must be the model of choice forstudies where defined genetic, environmentaland health statuses are necessary.

Purpose-bred animals should always be used forregulatory testing. The use of a purpose-bredanimal with a well-defined health status keepsthe number of animals to a minimum.

There is a significant body of background datafor the beagle, which makes it particularly valu-able as a defined research animal (Prescott et al.,2004). In addition, studies in which recovery isnecessary should utilize purpose-bred dogs.However, purpose-bred animals may not be suit-able for specific research studies because of thelimited variety of breeds available. For example,the size of the particular breeds available maypreclude their use in some studies.

4.6.2 Non Purpose-bred Dogs and Cats

Guideline 15:

Institutions must only obtain non purpose-bred dogs and cats where there is a well-defined arrangement with the management ofthe organization supplying them.

Non purpose-bred dogs and cats include animalsthat have been obtained from pounds and ani-mal shelters, animals that have been loaned ordonated to institutions for the purposes of train-ing veterinary technicians and veterinary stu-dents, and dogs that have been obtained as sur-plus to other activities, such as racing or sledpulling.

Institutions must ensure that the animals from apound or shelter have been held by thepound/shelter for at least 3 business days (notcounting the day the animal is received orreleased) or longer if mandated by legislation.Institutions should require that animals be heldfor a further period of 4 days before use, prefer-ably at the pound where there is exposure to thepublic and better opportunity for adoption. Uponrequest, institutions should return dogs that havenot been used to the pound of origin if an owneris searching for a lost pet and wishes to examinean animal released for research purposes.

Institutions must ensure that both the pound andthe institution maintain good records of the ani-mals released to the institution, and that theimpound facilities or shelters thoroughly checkthe animals for identification. Upon receipt, the

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institution should receive written descriptions ofany identification the animal has/had (tattoo,microchip, collar, tag) and note for each animalthat efforts have been made to trace all identifica-tion. The animal should be again examined foridentification that might have been previouslymissed, and all dogs and cats must be scannedwith a reader capable of reading all types ofmicrochips (see the CVMA website for moreinformation, http://canadianveterinarians.net/Documents/Resources/Files/189_Annex%201_RequirementsToComply_Dec162005.pdf).

Animals from pounds have unknown genotypes,behavioural experiences and disease profiles. Thepathophysiological changes that may be associat-ed with parasitism, chronic infections and poornutritional status frequently encountered in anunconditioned animal, constitutes an uncontrolledexperimental variable. This may distort the resultsobtained and affect repeatability and interpreta-tion (Sheets et al., 2000). Dogs that are obtainedfrom suppliers as surplus to other activities mayhave a better defined genetic background andhealth status than other non purpose-bred dogs.However, some prior uses of these animals maymean that the dogs are not well socialized, andshould be used only in procedures that do notinvolve significant handling of the conscious ani-mal. Where animals are not well socialized, theyshould not be kept for long before use and shouldonly be used for terminal procedures.

Institutions should be aware that, while non pur-pose-bred animals may be less expensive initial-ly, they may incur higher costs due to the degreeof conditioning required (see Section 6.2Conditioning). Institutions must also be ready toanswer questions from the public concerning theuse of theses animals, recognizing that this is anarea of particular public concern.

4.7 Procurement of Animalsfrom Another Institution orAnimal User

When considering the procurement of animalsfrom another scientific institution or from anoth-er animal user within the same institution, arequest should be made for documentationdetailing the original source of the animal andthe history of the animal while in captivity (e.g.,conditioning, housing, nutrition, previous use in

research, etc.). For transfers between institutions,a health certificate for the animals should be pro-vided, and the animal care services at the receiv-ing institution should be notified of the transferand be given a copy of the health certificate.These animals should only be procured if theyare suited to their intended use and to the condi-tions under which they will be housed, and theyhave not been subjected to procedures thatwould preclude their use (see Section 4.8Animals from Other Studies).

4.8 Animals from Other StudiesGuideline 16:

Animals subjected to invasive surgery mustnot be used in additional studies, withoutexplicit approval of the animal care committee.

Occasionally, animals that have been used for astudy and have not been subjected to invasiveprocedures may be used for a further scientificstudy. As well, a second major surgery may beperformed on an animal if it is a non-survivalprocedure. Minor procedures such as biopsiesmay be performed more than once, but only ifthey can be done with effective anesthesia andanalgesia and do not significantly impact thewell-being of the animal. Complete recoverybetween procedures is recommended if possible.

4.9 Procurement of Animalsfrom the Field

For collection of any animals from the field,investigators should observe and pass on to stu-dents and employees a strict ethic of habitat con-servation and respectful treatment of the ani-mals. Research goals will generally dictate theappropriate sampling method; however, investi-gators should select the method that has the leastimpact on the animals and on the local ecosys-tem, and is the safest for all concerned.

Before initiating field projects involving capture,investigators must have obtained the necessarypermits and must be familiar with the studyspecies and its response to disturbance, as well asits sensitivity to capture and restraint. In addi-tion, investigators should be familiar with theadvantages and drawbacks of available methodsof live capture, particularly those that have been

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used with the study species. Investigators shouldensure that the capture method used is effectiveand suited to the species and situation, will min-imize distress and injury to the study animals,and will minimize capture of non-target species.In addition, the investigator should be trained inthe correct use of the selected method or tech-nique and should be able to ensure the promptrelease of any non-target animal that may beaccidentally captured.

Investigators should also take measures to avoidthe removal of animals with dependent youngfrom the wild. The use of live lure animals shouldbe avoided, but if they must be used, investigatorsare also responsible for their well-being and musttake care to minimize their level of distress.

Before initiating the capture of wildlife, consider-ation should be given to the fate of the animals

following the study, and steps should be taken toensure that the welfare of the animals and otherpractical issues, such as regulations, are properlyaddressed.

For more information, see CCAC guidelines on: thecare and use of wildlife (2003), and CCAC guidelineson: the care and use of fish in research, teaching andtesting (2005).

4.10 Use of Privately Owned Animals

In some situations, animals used in research arenot actually acquired or procured, but ratherowned by private farmers, pet owners, etc. Theseanimals may be involved in clinical or in situresearch.

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The objective of any method of transportation is toensure the safety, security and comfort of the ani-mal, while moving it efficiently to its destination.Adherence to principles of humane transportationand handling during the transport period and onarrival at the institution should help ensure that,when the animal is used in research, teaching ortesting, the results are meaningful and scientifical-ly valid. This section is based on recommenda-tions made by the US National Research CouncilGuidelines for the Humane Transportation of ResearchAnimals (ILAR, 2006) and the UK LaboratoryAnimal Science Association Guidance on the trans-port of laboratory animals (Swallow et al., 2005).These two documents should be consulted formore detailed information on best practices forthe transportation of animals.

Transportation can result in significant stress forthe animals, and have a significant impact on theanimals’ welfare. Swallow et al. (2005) provide alist of potential sources of stress for animalsbeing transported. Transportation stressors canbe categorized as physical (changes in tempera-ture, humidity, or noise), physiological (pooraccess to food and water), and psychological(exposure to novel individuals or environments).It should be recognized that even the movementof animals within a building or institution can bestressful to the animals and to humans. Suchlocal transport must be minimized and requiresadequate planning and the implementation ofappropriate equipment and procedures. Mosttransportation events are considered as acutestress events, the effects of which do not lastmore than a few days. However, care must betaken to minimize post-trip stress that may leadto a chronic stress event.

All animals in transit should be accompanied bythe appropriate documentation. Such documen-tation should be consistent with the regulationswhere applicable (e.g., livestock manifests).Where the animals will be transported acrossinternational borders, knowledge of the appro-priate procedures and documentation is essentialto preventing unnecessary delays.

Guideline 17:

A Standard Operating Procedure should bedeveloped for the transportation of animalsby the institution, its investigators or itsemployees.

Institutions, in consultation with animal users(particularly for protocols using nontraditional orfield species), are responsible for selecting themethod and timing of transportation of animalsfrom the suppliers, and monitoring the trans-portation process. An SOP should be in place toaddress actions to be taken in the event of an acci-dent, breakdown or other unforeseen complica-tion. If animals are to be transported by a commer-cial transporter, a written agreement or similardocumentation should be prepared in advance.

Prior to transporting animals from the supplierto the facility, the procedures involved should bedetermined to be appropriate for the species andto be humane (IATA, 1995). Animal care staffshould be notified of the shipment, as well as theexpected delivery date and time. StandardOperating Procedures (SOPs) should describethe management and site of receipt of animals atthe institution; this is particularly important inthose institutions where animals are not deliv-ered directly to the animal facility but to a centralreceiving area. These SOPs should also detailprocedures for animals arriving unexpectedly orafter normal working hours. Attention to thehealth documentation at the importing institu-tion is mandatory.

It is essential to make appropriate pre-arrange-ments concerning the transport of the animals inorder to minimize the length of time they spendin transit. Where possible, animals should beacclimatized to the containers, the mode of trans-port, and the food and water that will be provid-ed during transport. The transportation routeshould be planned from loading to unloading inorder to minimize journey time, and any poten-tial delays should be considered. Measuresshould also be taken to minimize sudden move-ments, excessive noise and vibration during

TRANSPORTATION

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transport. Frequent human handling beforetransportation may help animals to react morepositively to this stressful situation.

Prior to sending the animals, they should beexamined and found to be fit for transport.Animals that are sick or injured should not betransported, unless it is determined that: 1) trans-port will not cause additional welfare problems;2) the animals are being transported under vet-erinary supervision for, or following, veterinarytreatment; or 3) the animals are being transport-ed for scientific purposes approved by the ACC,and particular attention has been given to anyadditional care which may be required.However, it should be noted that this does notremove liability under the various animal trans-portation regulations.

If pregnant animals or animals with young are tobe transported, they should be given special con-sideration, appropriate for the species.

Personnel affiliated with the institution or studywho are involved in transporting animals shouldbe knowledgeable of the species-specific require-ments of the animals, and should receive trainingin good handling practices to facilitate the loadingand unloading of animals. Personnel must alsoreceive training in the husbandry and environ-mental requirements of animals to be transported.

Transportation of animals in private vehicles isdiscouraged due to: the lack of control over vehi-cle safety and appropriate set up for transport(e.g., cages, location, tied down, open vehicles,etc); the risk of disease transmission from petsthat may have been in the vehicle; the risk to thereputation of the investigator or institutionshould there be an accident; and the possibleinsurance risk for driver if the animal(s) escapeor there is exposure to the public.

Guideline 18:

Those overseeing the transportation of ani-mals must be knowledgeable about the specif-ic container requirements, temperature andventilation of both the container and the envi-ronment during transportation, care of the ani-mals prior to and during transport, and therequirements for labelling and documentation.

As well as minimizing stress to the animals, con-tainers should also prevent or restrict the entryor spread of micro-organisms, as appropriate.The International Air Transport Association(IATA) produces the IATA Live AnimalRegulations annually, which include informationconcerning documentation, containers and otherrequirements for humane transportation of liveanimals (www.iata.org). While the IATA specifi-cally provides information for air transportation,this information is also useful for land trans-portation. Additional information on species-specific containers, numbers of animal per box,and care during transport (including food, watersources, etc.) can be found in Swallow et al.(2005) and ILAR (2006).

The space allocation recommended for animalsduring transportation differs from the space rec-ommended in an animal facility. Various factors,such as animal behaviour, social interaction, ther-mal environment, and species-specific require-ments, influence the space that must be allocated.If too much space is allocated, animals can fall andbe injured, or even killed. If too little space is allo-cated, animals can pile up on top of one another,leading to injury or suffocation. Space require-ments also depend on whether animals are to betransported individually or in groups, andwhether these animals normally stand or lie downduring the journey. Isolation can minimize socialstress in solitary animals, but may cause stress inanimals that prefer being in groups (Tamashiro etal., 2005). Most laboratory and farm animals aresocial animals and are usually housed in groups.If animals are to be transported in groups, theyshould be grouped prior to transportation in orderto establish a dominance hierarchy in advance ofthe journey. Efforts must be made to ensuregrouped animals are compatible.

The need to provide feed and water prior to andduring transportation will depend on thespecies. Those overseeing the transportationprocess should be aware of the requirements forthe animals involved. Provision of feed or waterduring transportation may cause some problemssuch as food spoilage and water spillage. In turn,the water spillage may cause the wetting of thefloor and lead to injuries. Animals may not havethe ability or the motivation to eat while thevehicle is in motion. Provision of food or watermay not have any benefit to animals during shorttrips, and provision of food and water during

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long trips requires special attention. For exam-ple, rabbits and rodents should have feed andwater prior to and during transport, while dogsand cats should not be given feed or water for 4hours prior to transport and should only be fedand watered at intervals of 24 hours and 12hours, respectively, during transport. In addi-tion, small animals lose more heat and more calo-ries, and become dehydrated more quickly thanlarger animals. The amount of feed and wateravailable should be twice that required by theanimals for the anticipated length of travel inorder to accommodate delays. Considerationshould be given to the use of commercially avail-able food/water packs prepared for the trans-portation of certain species.

The transport of farm animals should be in accor-dance with the Recommended code of practice for thecare and handling of farm animals – Transportation(CARC, 2001; http://www.nfacc.ca/code.aspx),and must be in compliance with Part XII of theFederal Health of Animals Regulations (http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/H-3.3/C.R.C.-c.296/). In addi-tion, pro-vincial/territorial laws and regulationsregarding livestock transportation must be fol-lowed. It is recommended that calves should notbe transported or brought into the facility beforethey are one week of age (see CCAC guidelines on:the care and use of farm animals in research, teachingand testing, in prep.). Facilities for loading andhandling sheep and goats should be designedspecifically for them, as injuries will likely resultif facilities designed for cattle are used.

For aquatic species, special considerations arerequired for transportation in an aqueous ormoist/humid environment, depending on thespecies. For example, methods to maintain a moistenvironment should be employed for transport-ing amphibians. Species-Specific Recommendationson Amphibians and Reptiles (www.ccac.ca), whichaccompany the CCAC guidelines on: the care and useof wildlife, should be consulted for additionalinformation. As well, the CCAC guidelines on: thecare and use of fish in research, teaching and testing(CCAC, 2005) describes some of the requirementsfor transportation of fish, including methods tomaintain the relevant degree of aeration of waterfor prolonged transport, and the amount ofwater/degree of salinity relevant to the speciesand density.

For transportation and movement of genetically-engineered animals from one facility to another,particular regulatory requirements must be met(see CCAC guidelines on: genetically-engineered ani-mals, in prep.). Genetically-engineered animalsmay have specific welfare issues with respect totransport, and in such cases, alternatives such asshipping embryos should be considered. Whengenetically-engineered animals are transported,additional resources and personnel may berequired, compared to the transport of conven-tional animals.

Considerations for the transport of wildlife maybe found in the CCAC guidelines on: the care anduse of wildlife (2003).

Guideline 19:

All Standard Operating Procedures regardingthe transportation of animals must includeinstructions describing emergency respons-es, in line with the mode of transportation tobe used.

Emergencies can occur at any time during trans-portation. These emergencies can be caused byextended delays before the start of the trans-portation; by exposure of the animal to extremesof temperature; as the result of animal escapes; oras a result of mechanical problems with thetransport vehicles. Both a primary plan and abackup plan should be available for each phaseof the transportation process. Comfortableaccommodations should be in place at all times.

An event may arise in which it must be decidedwhether to anesthetize or euthanize an animalbecause of the level of pain and/or distress expe-rienced by the animal, or the potential for injuryto the human handlers. The emergency proce-dure plan should identify trained and qualifiedpersonnel who are responsible for making andenforcing emergency decisions, and specify themethods and equipment to be used for the anes-thesia or euthanasia of animals if needed duringa transportation event.

Personnel who are handling animals must betrained appropriately in routine and emergencyprocedures that are species-specific and specificfor the mode of transportation. Personnel mustalso be trained to recognize physiological signsthat may indicate a problem in a single animal orin a group of animals.

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Guideline 20:

Institutions receiving animals should be pre-pared for accepting the animals by providingproper facilities and appropriate handling bytrained, experienced personnel.

6.1 DocumentationGuideline 21:

Institutions should be responsible for ensur-ing records are kept for all animals received.

Animals’ records should include the source ofthe animals, date of arrival, condition of animalsupon receipt (including any deaths), numberupon arrival reconciled with numberordered/expected, and where possible, informa-tion on their health status. Where appropriate,institutions should also obtain and recorddetailed information on the rearing methods,husbandry (feeding and grouping) and previoustreatments performed (e.g., beak trimming, taildocking, etc.).

Genetically-engineered animals that are broughtinto an institution should have accompanyingdocumentation, which includes the genotype,phenotype, information on welfare concerns andhealth status.

6.2 ConditioningGuideline 22:

Institutions should have Standard OperatingProcedures for conditioning animals uponreceipt that take into account the species andbackground of the animals.

The aim of a conditioning program is to ensurethat the animals are suitable to begin theresearch, teaching or testing. The degree of con-ditioning required will depend on the speciesand the measures taken prior to transporting theanimal to the institution.

Animals entering the facility's receiving areashould be unloaded and carefully screened.

Unsuitable animals should be euthanized imme-diately using species appropriate methods (seeCCAC guidelines on: euthanasia, in prep.), ormoved to another facility for use in acute studies(see section 4.6.2 concerning animals receivedfrom pounds). If found to be unsuitable, pound-sourced animals should be euthanized only oncethe appropriate holding time-period has elapsed,unless the animals are found to be suffering fromunrelievable pain or distress. Animals that areretained should be moved to the examinationarea, or in the case of fish, moved to a quarantinetank (see CCAC guidelines on: the care and use offish in research, teaching and testing, 2005).

Animals other than fish should be given a com-plete physical examination. Fish should be mon-itored and tested in the quarantine tank to deter-mine their health status. If the animals have beenobtained from a pound, they must also bescanned for identification.

All animals should be given appropriate identifi-cation. A health record appropriate for thespecies should be created containing species-rel-evant information (which may include animaldescription, age, sex, weight, source, results ofphysical exam, vaccination history, results ofparasite screening, treatments given and anyother comments relating to the animal's health ortemperament).

Where appropriate, vaccination and parasite con-trol treatments should be administered, as well asother treatments such as nail or hoof trimming.

For animals such as dogs, socialization, habitua-tion and training, as described by Prescott et al.(2004), are important components of the condi-tioning process. Socialization to humans andconspecifics, combined with habituation to theenvironment and training, improves the animal’sability to cope with the research setting, resultingin positive implications for both the welfare ofthe animal and the research data collected.

RECEIVING ANIMALS

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6.3 Acclimatization andQuarantine

Guideline 23:

After transportation and before use in anyexperiments, animals should be acclimatizedto the experimental conditions.

All animals should be brought into clean facili-ties and undergo a period of acclimatization totheir new facilities prior to being included in anyresearch project; this can include the quarantineperiod. When new animals are brought in, nor-mally they should be quarantined prior to intro-ducing them to other animals. A combinedapproach for acclimatization and quarantineshould be used as far as possible, so that both areaccomplished simultaneously.

The period for acclimatization of each animalvaries, and therefore, knowledge of the speciesand of the individual animals is essential. Thetime required for the animals to adapt to the lab-oratory environment will depend on the speciesand prior experience (including the degree ofhandling and the nature of any confinement). A longer period of adjustment/training must be considered if animals are not accustomed tohandling or observation prior to entering theinstitution.

Newly acquired animals should normally beheld in enclosures using an "all-in/all-out" sys-tem of management. The animals should behoused according to the species-specific require-ments. If an animal appears ill, it should beremoved from the holding room and placed inisolation. It should be observed several timesduring the day and treated in consultation withthe attending veterinarian. If its conditionappears to be infectious, the animal should beeuthanized and sent for necropsy. The remaininganimals from the original holding room shouldbe held for an additional period for observationpurposes.

When farm animals or wildlife are brought intoindoor heated housing, consideration must begiven to the transition from the ambient condi-tions (e.g., cold weather, photoperiod, etc.), sothat the transition is as smooth as possible for theanimals. Consideration should also be given toany changes in diet or food sources offered to

wildlife species that differ from those available inthe wild and the appropriate acclimatization tosuch changes. Bringing animals in from the coldresults in physiological changes that will also bereflected in changes in their dietary require-ments. Husbandry procedures, such as shearingsheep or clipping of an excessively long hair coat(dairy cattle), will help to acclimatize the animalsto a warmer environment. Hooves should betrimmed if overgrown or unbalanced.

Changes to diet may also be an important con-sideration, particularly for dogs, cats and live-stock. In livestock, a rapid change of feed cancause severe problems (diarrhea, bloat in cattle,etc.). Maintaining the animals upon arrival on adiet consistent with prior feeding, and imple-menting any change gradually during the condi-tioning period can help avoid such problems.

Guideline 24:

Quarantine areas should be subject to extravigilance in monitoring the animals and inmaintaining good records, in order to detectand respond to any health problems in quar-antined animals.

Guideline 25:

Duration of quarantine should be appropriateto ensure that the health of the animals underquarantine and that of the conspecifics alreadyresident at the research facility is assured.

The purpose of quarantine after receipt of ani-mals is to isolate the animals from the main pop-ulations in the facility, in order to permit carefulobservation and health screening until the newlyarrived animals are deemed to be healthy andfree from communicable disease. Thereafter,these animals can be integrated into theherd/flock or placed on experiment.

Minimum quarantine times should be estab-lished in consultation with the veterinarian,based on the anticipated time frame for expres-sion of the pathogens of concern. New stock ani-mals should undergo routine health screening ifthey are to be mixed with existing stocks.

Quarantine areas should be managed accordingto rigorous infectious agent control practices,and personnel should be sufficiently trained inthese practices. SOPs should be in place in order

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to implement infectious agent control practices.Particular vigilance should be paid to practicessuch as effluent disinfection, dedicated acces-

sories, etc., in order to avoid the potential trans-fer of pathogens to the main areas of the facilityor to the environment outside of the facility itself.

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Besser T.E. & Gay C.C. (1994) The importance ofcolostrum to the health of the neonatal calf.Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food AnimalProduction Practice 10:107-117.

Canadian Agri-Food Research Council (CARC)(2001) Recommended Code of Practice for the Care andHandling of Farm Animals – Transportation. OttawaON: CARC. Available at http://www.nfacc.ca/code.aspx

Canadian Agri-Food Research Council (CARC)(2003) Recommended Code of Practice for Chickens,Turkeys and Breeders from Hatchery to ProcessingPlant. Ottawa ON: CARC. Available athttp://www.nfacc.ca/code.aspx

Canadian Association for Laboratory AnimalMedicine/L'Association canadienne de lamedecine des animaux de laboratoire (CALAM/ACMAL) (2004) Standards for Veterinary Care.Electronic document, http://www.uwo.ca/animal/website/CALAM/Content/StandardsVetCare.pdf

Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC)(1984) Guide to the Care and Use of ExperimentalAnimals, vol. 2. 208pp. Ottawa ON: CCAC.Available at http://www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/Guidelines_Policies/GUIDES/ENGLISH/TOC_V2.HTM

Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC)(1989) CCAC policy statement on: ethics of animalinvestigation. 2pp. Available at http://www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/Guidelines_Policies/POLICIES/policy.htm

Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC)(1997) CCAC guidelines on: animal use protocolreview. 12pp. Ottawa ON: CCAC. Available athttp://www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/Guidelines_Policies/GDLINES/Guidelis.htm

Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC)(2003) CCAC guidelines on: the care and use ofwildlife. 66pp. Ottawa ON: CCAC. Available at

http://www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/Guidelines_Policies/GDLINES/Guidelis.htm

Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC)(2005) CCAC guidelines on: the care and use of fishin research, teaching and testing. 86pp. Ottawa ON:CCAC. Available at http://www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/Guidelines_Policies/GDLINES/Guidelis.htm

Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC)(2006) CCAC policy statement on: terms of referencefor animal care committees. Ottawa ON: CCAC.Available at http://www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/Guidelines_Policies/POLICIES/policy.htm

Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) (inprep.) CCAC guidelines on: the care and use of farmanimals in research, teaching and testing. OttawaON: CCAC Available at http://www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/Guidelines_Policies/GDLINES/Guidelis.htm

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) (2004)Notification Guidelines for the EnvironmentalAssessment of Biotechnology – Derived LivestockAnimals. Ottawa ON: CFIA. Available athttp://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/biotech/guidedirecte.shtml

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association(CVMA) (2007) A Code of Practice for CanadianKennel Operations, 2nd ed. Available athttp://canadianveterinarians.net/publications-resources-order.aspx

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and Transgenics. (eds. I.J. Jackson & C.M. Abbott),pp. 1-25. New York NY: Oxford University Press.

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Acclimatization — a persisting physiological,biochemical or morphological change within anindividual animal during its life as a result of aprolonged exposure to an environmental condi-tion such as a high or low temperature; general-ly, the changes are reversible.

Ambient conditions — the environmental con-ditions surrounding the animal; under cagingconditions may refer to the temperature, humid-ity, etc. in the microenvironment inside the cageas opposed to temperature outside the cage inthe room or enclosure.

Biosecurity — the prevention of animal infec-tions and infestations from entering a unit fromoutside sources; biosecurity is achieved throughthe use of exclusion barriers.

Biotechnology — the use or development oftechniques using organisms or parts of organ-isms to provide or improve goods or services.

Breed — (noun) a population of animals withina species, which differs from those in other pop-ulations within the same species in respect todefinite genetically determined traits; (verb) tocause to reproduce, as in controlled mating andselection.

Conditioning — term applied to examinationand preparation of animals for research.

Distress — a state of excessive stress in whichthe animal is unable to make the necessary adap-tations to stressor(s).

Ecosystem — a complex of the plant and animalcommunities within an area, along with the non-living components of the environment and theinteractions among these.

Embryo — the early or developing stage of anyorganism, especially the developing product offertilization of an egg.

Ethics — a system of moral principles or stan-dards governing conduct.

Euthanasia — literally, a good death; rapid lossof consciousness and death, with no pain or dis-tress accompanying the procedure.

Genetically-engineered animals — animals inwhich there has been a deliberate modification ofthe genome either via a technique known astransgenesis (when individual genes from thesame or a different species are inserted intoanother individual) or by the targeting of specif-ic changes in individual genes or chromosomeswithin a single species, i.e. targeted removal ofgenes (knock-outs) or targeted addition of genes(knock-ins).

Gnotobiotic animal — an animal in which onlycertain known strains of bacteria and othermicroorganisms are present.

Humane — conditions which promote physicaland behavioral well-being of animals; in the caseof euthanasia, humane methods are those whichare painless, minimize fear and anxiety, and arereliable, reproducible, irreversible, simple, safeand rapid.

Pain — an unpleasant sensory and emotionalexperience associated with actual or potentialdamage, or described in terms of such damage(International Association for the Study of Pain®,http://www.iasp-pain.org/terms-p.html).

Pathogen — an organism which causes disease.

Protocol — a written description of a study oractivity that includes details of the goals, the useof animals, the procedures that are to be followedand the personnel involved; the purpose of theprotocol is to ensure the quality and integrity ofthe study or activity.

Quarantine — the segregation or isolation of ani-mals from others to prevent the spread of disease.

Restraint — holding or securing to reduce activ-ity in order to prevent the animal from causingharm to itself or harm to the handler.

GLOSSARY

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Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) — writtendocuments specifying procedures for routineactivities that must be followed to ensure thequality and integrity of the study.

Stock — a collection of outbred animals beinggrown or maintained for breeding or for experi-mental use.

Stress — a strain upon the normal physiologicalor psychological processes or functions of thebody, organ or tissue. Some stresses may causepathology or diseased states, or weaken the nor-mal body defences.

Supplier — commercial enterprises whose busi-ness is the sale of animals for scientific purposes.

Welfare — a term used to describe the quality oflife that an animal is experiencing.

Well-being — a state or condition of physicaland psychological harmony between the organ-ism and its surroundings. Good health and man-ifestation of normal behavioral repertoire are themost commonly used indicators of an animal'swell-being.

Zoonotic — relating to the transmission of a dis-ease from a non-human species to humans.