Rationale:

Proper housing is essential to animal well-being.  Animals should be housed with a goal of maximizing species-specific behaviors and minimizing stress-induced behaviors.  The animal housing environment should be appropriate to the species and its intended use.

Policy:

 Animal caging at UT Southwestern must:

• allow for the normal physiologic and behavioral needs of the animals, including urination and defecation, maintenance of body temperature, normal movement and postural adjustments, and, where indicated, reproduction;
• allow conspecific social interaction and development of hierarchies within or between cages;
• make it possible for the animals to remain clean and dry (as consistent with the requirements of the species);
• allow adequate ventilation;
• allow the animals access to food and water and permit easy filling, refilling, changing, servicing, and cleaning of food and water utensils;
• provide a secure environment that does not allow escape of or accidental entrapment of animals or their appendages between opposing surfaces or by structural openings;
• be free of sharp edges or projections that could cause injury to the animals;
• allow observance of the animals without disturbing them;
• have smooth, impervious surfaces with minimal ledges, angles, corners, and overlapping surfaces so that accumulation of dirt, debris, and moisture is reduced and satisfactory cleaning and disinfecting are possible; and
• be constructed of durable materials that resist corrosion and withstand rough handling without chipping, cracking, or rusting.

Animal caging conditions that are not allowed at UT Southwestern include:

• rodent cages with wire bottom floors,
• rodent caging without filter-top lids, and
• rusted or oxidized caging.

Applicability:

This policy applies to all animals used for research purposes.

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.