Animal Transportation

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Animal Transportation

IACUC Policy
Effective Date: February 2024 
 

I. Purpose

This policy establishes UCSF standards for transportation of animals to ensure the highest level of animal welfare and compliance. This policy has been developed to ensure that UCSF complies with the Guide for the Care and Use of Animals, 2010, 8th Edition, The Animal Welfare Act and Regulations, and Fish and Wildlife Service laws and regulations related to the transportation of live animals.

II. Regulatory or Accreditation Authority

9 C.F.R. Part 3, 3.13 – 3.19, 3.35 – 3.41, 3.60 – 3.66, 3.86 – 3.92, 3.112 – 3.118, 3.136 – 3.142. (Transportation standards for various types and species of animals, Animal Welfare Regulations)

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Eighth Edition, 2010, p. 105 – Veterinary Care, Transportation of Animals.

III. Scope

This policy applies to all animals transported within UCSF, animals transported to other institutions from UCSF, and animals transported from other institutions to UCSF, by UCSF transportation.

The scope of this policy does not cover animals under the care of commercial shippers. Commercial shippers, when used, assume full responsibility for health, safety, and regulatory compliance for animals in their possession. Commercial shippers are used when appropriate, in arrangement with the Office of Research Business Service Center. UCSF approved Commercial shippers are responsible for compliance with regulatory requirements for all animals in their possession.

IV. Policy

UCSF animals may be transported between buildings on the same campus, between campuses and/or to non-UCSF locations using the LARC transportation service, private or non-LARC departmental vehicles with IACUC approval, or by means of approved shipping courier. Animals must not be transported by any other mode of public or private transportation. Transportation parameters must comply with the Animal Welfare Act regulations when applicable. Deviation from this policy requires IACUC approval.

  1. General
    1. Animals are to be transported via a LARC/IACUC approved transport method,
    2. Animals must not be visible to the public.
    3. Transportation time should be minimized.
    4. Animals must be transported in enclosures appropriate for the species
    5. Enclosures used to transport live animals must not be handled in any manner which may cause physical trauma or stress to the animals.
    6. If feed and water are removed for transit, they must be replaced at the destination.
    7. Occupational exposure to allergens and infections must be minimized.
    8. Cages or containers used for transportation and/or shipping must meet minimum standards for size, ventilation, strength, sanitation, and be designed for safe handling. (Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Ed, 2011 and U.S. Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations)
    9. Cages should be secured in a manner that they will remain upright and safe and optimize ventilation during transport.
    10. Enclosures which are not disposable must be cleaned and sanitized between each use.
    11. Animals may not be left unattended.
    12. Additional requirements may be needed based on species being transported and other considerations (e.g., Bite/Scratch kit; euthanasia solution).
    13. Attending Veterinarian or designee is responsible for oversight of animal transport and may grant exceptions to policy when deemed in the best interest of the animals.
    14. Concerns regarding animal transportation will be reviewed by the UCSF IACUC.
  2. Rodent Transportation
    1. Cage tops must be securely fastened.
    2. Water bottles should be removed or turned upside-down during transport.
    3. Gel packs and food should be provided in each cage if transport is expected to take longer than four hours.
    4. Cages are to be covered with or placed inside opaque bags so animals are not visible to the public. For shorter transports (e.g. from barrier to lab) animals may be placed in an uncrowded manner in provided white paper boxes.
    5. Cages should not remain stacked, or in paper bags, longer than the time needed to reach the destination.
  3. Aquatic Transportation
    1. Fish
      1. Adult fish should be fasted 24 hours before packaging to reduce waste accumulation
      2. Animals should be transported in plastic bags at a density of 2 adult fish/0.5 liter
      3. Bags should be securely closed (ie: rubber band)
      4. Bags should be placed in an insulated shipping box (ie: Styrofoam box) and care should be taken to avoid jostling
      5. For shorter transportation (housing room to procedure space within the same building), fasting is not necessary and fish may be transported in fish tank with secure lid or secondary container and on a transport cart
    2. Frogs
      1. Frogs should be placed in a plastic bag or container with water from tank or water prepared per SOP
      2. Transport container should ensure animal and water remains secure during transport. A tight fitting lid with holes for ventilation or a large secondary container should be used.
  4. Vehicle Transportation
    1. Protocol and Training Requirements
      1. Non-LARC vehicles must be approved in the IACUC protocol.
      2. Training is required for all drivers listed on IACUC protocols approved for non LARC vehicle transportation before activity is initiated. IACUP staff conduct and document this training.
    2. A logbook is required for vehicle transport
      1. Log should include driver name, date, starting location and destination, temperature range (min/max), sanitation frequency for vehicle, number of animals, start and end time of trip.
      2. Ambient temperature should be regulated by air-conditioning or heating elements within the vehicle, to maintain temperatures specific to each species.
      3. Temperature of the animal holding compartment must be monitored, and should remain consistent with recommendations for the species transported.
    3. Vehicle inspection:
      1. Vehicles and logs must be made available for IACUC inspection at least twice every year, and on request by the IACUC.
      2. Containment and attendance
        1. Animals are to be contained and attended to at all times during transport and covered to reduce stress and public view.
        2. Secondary containment may be required, such as large bags to contain rodent cages or water-tight pans under large animal cages.
        3. Animals may not be left unattended in a parked vehicle unless for very brief periods during loading or unloading.

  5. Transfer Requests Guidance

    To request transfers, link to LARC transports and shipping.

    1. Non-LARC transfer within a building, or between buildings on the same campus
      1. Rodents may only be transported by lab staff from a barrier to an in-and-out barrier, or approved non-LARC locations
      2. Barrier to barrier transportation (including room to room within the same barrier facility) cannot be provided by lab staff, barrier to barrier is only by LARC transportation service.
      3. Animals removed from LARC Barrier facilities to laboratory spaces may not be returned to the LARC Barrier.
    2. Barrier to Barrier transfers
      1. Investigators request transport in RIO.
      2. Only dedicated LARC vehicle(s) and personnel are authorized to transfer barrier to barrier rodents.
      3. Pre-screening for infections is based on the receiving location’s requirements. Due to pre-screening, transfers can take 2 days to 2 weeks for completion.
      4. Transfers are conducted only on Mon, Wed, Thurs once animals have been screened and approved for transfer.
    3. USDA covered animal transfers
      1. Coordinated through RIO via LARC transportation services or IACUC- approved vehicle
      2. Transfer requests are required regardless of who is moving the animals (LARC transport service OR approved private/departmental vehicle)
      3. The Comments section in RIO should state when the PI has approval for private/departmental vehicle
    4. Non-UCSF Facilities
      1. PI submits an export request through RIO.
      2. Office of Research Business Service Center arranges with LARC for necessary testing and with couriers for pickups, and informs investigator of requirements on their part.