Rationale:

When selecting a means of animal identification, factors such as pain and distress to the animal, reliability, simplicity, and standardization should be considered. Toe amputation, as a method of identification of small rodents, should be used only when no other individual identification method is feasible and should be performed only on neonates.

Policy:

• All animals must be identified by a cage card. The cage card must be visible on the cage. The cage card must list the Principle Investigator’s name and the animal protocol number.
• A cage label must identify the approximate date of birth for litters in breeding colonies.
• The IACUC allows ear punches, ear tags, and microchips as a means of individual identification for mice and rats.
• The IACUC does not allow toe amputation as a means of identification for mice over 12 days of age and rats over 10 days of age. A maximum of two digits may be amputated per paw.
• All dogs, cats, sheep, goats, and pigs must be individually identified by cage card and a tattoo, collar, ear tag, or microchip.
• Identification made by markers may be used as a temporary means of identification for mice and rats.

Applicability:

This policy applies to all animals used for research purposes.

Instructions:

To request toe amputation as a means of identification, indicate this procedure in the non-surgical procedures section of the animal protocol and justify why less painful, alternative forms of identification are not appropriate. Include in the protocol a description of the standardized numbering system that will be used to identify the animals, at what age the animals will be toe clipped, and details about the procedure. After amputation, bleeding must be stopped.

Exceptions:

Exceptions to this policy may be granted by a decision of the IACUC in an approved protocol.

Contact Information:

For any additional questions, please contact the IACUC Manager at 5-6420.