LAB ANIMAL MEDICINE EXAM (Ch. 1–4)

What is the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)?

1966 law that protects nonfarm animals used in research

What was the original purpose of the AWA?

Protect pet owners from theft and ensure humane animal care

What animals are covered under the AWA?

Warm-blooded animals (with some exceptions)

What animals are NOT covered under the AWA?

Rats and mice bred for research, birds, reptiles, fish, horses not used in research, farm animals for food/fiber

Who enforces the Animal Welfare Act?

APHIS under the USDA

How often are USDA inspections conducted?

At least once per year, unannounced

What do inspections evaluate in animal facilities?

Handling, care, identification, record keeping, medical treatment, transportation

What standards does the AWA require for animal care?

Feeding, watering, sanitation, ventilation, lighting, shelter, veterinary care

How long must animal records be kept?

At least 1 year after death or disposition

What did the 1970 AWA amendment do?

Expanded coverage to all warm-blooded animals and required annual reports

What did the 1976 AWA amendment address?

Animal transport and animal fighting

What did the 1985 AWA amendment require?

Establishment of IACUC

What did the 1990 AWA amendment require?

Shelters must hold dogs/cats for 5 days before research sale

What is IACUC?

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

What is the purpose of IACUC?

Ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations

What are the minimum members of IACUC?

3 members (veterinarian, scientist, non-affiliated member)

How often does IACUC inspect facilities?

Every 6 months

What does IACUC review?

All animal research activities and protocols

What must be included in animal use protocols?

Species, number, procedures, pain control, euthanasia

What must be minimized in animal research?

Pain and distress

What defines a major surgery?

Penetrates body cavity and affects major functions

What defines a minor surgery?

Does not enter body cavity and causes little impairment

When are multiple major surgeries allowed?

Only if justified or medically necessary

What is PHS Policy?

Policy governing use of animals in federally funded research

What animals does PHS Policy cover?

All vertebrates

What does PHS require institutions to have?

IACUC and adherence to The Guide

How often must PHS compliance be reviewed?

Every 3 years

What is "The Guide"?

A standard for humane animal care and use

What does The Guide cover?

Housing, environment, vet care, safety, euthanasia

What is AAALAC?

Voluntary accreditation organization for animal care programs

What does AAALAC accreditation mean?

Facility exceeds minimum legal standards ("gold standard")

What is Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)?

Regulations ensuring proper study conduct and documentation

What is an occupational health program?

Protects workers from hazards like zoonoses, allergens, chemicals

What determines animal facility design?

Type of research and animals housed

What areas are included in an animal facility?

Housing, storage, cage wash, waste disposal, surgery, labs

Why is facility security important?

Protects animals and personnel

What are examples of security systems?

Key cards, fingerprint scanners

What must facility walls and floors be like?

Durable, moisture-resistant, smooth, easy to clean

How wide should hallways be in animal facilities?

6-8 feet

How should animal room doors open?

Into the room

What is HVAC?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system

What temperature range should be maintained?

Within ±2°C

What humidity range is required?

30-70%

How many air changes per hour are recommended?

10-15

What do HEPA filters do?

Remove 99.7% of airborne particles

What is negative pressure used for?

Quarantine (keeps contaminants in)

What is positive pressure used for?

Clean environments (keeps contaminants out)

What is biosecurity?

Protection from infectious disease

What is a conventional facility?

Minimal contamination control

What is a barrier facility?

Keeps contaminants out

What is a containment facility?

Keeps contaminants in

What methods are used for decontamination?

Autoclaves, incinerators, air filtration

What are the three types of cage washers?

Rack, cabinet, tunnel

What temperature is used for sanitation in cage washing?

About 180°F

What are Lixit valves?

Devices that supply water to cages

How should animal feed be stored?

Clean, dry, pest-free, off the floor

How long can feed typically be stored?

Up to 6 months

What are shoebox cages?

Standard rodent housing cages

What are microisolator cages?

Cages that reduce contamination exposure

What is the scientific name of the laboratory mouse?

Mus musculus

What is the average weight of a mouse?

25-40 grams

What are outbred mice?

Genetically diverse mice

What are inbred mice?

Genetically identical mice

What are F1 hybrid mice?

Offspring of two inbred strains with hybrid vigor

Why are mice widely used in research?

Short lifespan, inexpensive, fast reproduction, genetic control

What type of behavior do mice exhibit?

Social, nocturnal, territorial

How do male mice behave when housed together?

They may fight (aggressive)

What type of cages are used for mice?

Shoebox cages

What bedding should NOT be used for mice?

Pine or cedar

What is the recommended light cycle for mice?

12-14 hours of light

What temperature should mice be housed at?

64-79°F

What humidity should mice be housed at?

30-70%

How much food does a mouse eat per day?

4-5 grams

How much water does a mouse drink per day?

6-7 mL

How do you pick up a mouse?

By the base of the tail

How do you restrain a mouse?

Using the scruff method

How often should cages be cleaned?

1-3 times per week

What is a monogamous breeding system?

One male and one female

What is a polygamous breeding system?

One male with multiple females

What is the gestation period of mice?

About 21 days

What is the Whitten effect?

Female mice cycle when exposed to male scent

What is the Bruce effect?

Pregnant female aborts when exposed to a new male

What is a knockout mouse?

A mouse with a gene removed

What is a transgenic mouse?

A mouse with a foreign gene inserted

What are germ-free mice?

Mice with no microorganisms

What are specific pathogen-free mice?

Mice free from certain diseases

What injection methods are used in mice?

SC, IM, IP, IV

What is the most common inhalant anesthetic?

Isoflurane

What injectable anesthetic is commonly used?

Ketamine with xylazine

What methods are used for euthanasia in mice?

CO₂, anesthetic overdose, cervical dislocation

What does primum non nocere mean?

First do no harm.

What kind of field is laboratory animal medicine?

A specialty field.

What is laboratory animal medicine concerned with?

Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in animals used in research, testing, and teaching.

What does laboratory animal medicine try to identify, minimize, and prevent?

Pain, discomfort, and distress.

What does laboratory animal medicine also work to identify?

Factors that affect animal research.

What are some responsibilities of veterinary staff?

Production of quality animals, veterinary care, facility management, education of lab staff/caretakers, assisting in animal selection and use, and assuring compliance with regulations and policies.

Why were laboratory animal organizations developed?

Because there was a need for systemic and specific information on husbandry, medical care, and management.

What does AALAS stand for?

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.

What was AALAS originally called?

Animal Care Panel (ACP).

When did ACP become AALAS?

1967.