³ÉÈË´óƬ

Introduction and Definitions:

All animals that participate in science should be healthy and express a high prevalence and diversity of positively motivated species-typical behaviour, along with low levels of abnormal behaviour. Animal welfare is assessed through the evaluation of the following aspects; condition of the animal, psychological well-being of the animal, impact of experimental procedures on the animal, cumulative lifetime experiences (when appropriate) and environmental parameters.

Monitoring Requirements:

Animal Care Services Staff:

• On a daily basis, trained animal care services staff observe the physical condition, psychological well-being of the animal and environmental parameters.
• As per species specific SOPs, cage side observations include:

  1. Observe the whole cage environment, including the food level, presence of a water spigot, bedding quality, signs of stool or feces, signs of nesting

  2. Are the rats in the nest? If yes, then rats are ok

  3. Are they outside the nest? If yes, take the opportunity to assess if they are active and performing normal behaviours such as feeding or climbing or if they are isolated and hunched, indicating a potential health concern

  4. If you have a concern with any one of the factors above, then the cage is removed for further assessment

  5. Unhealthy rats present with clinical signs, for example, hunched posture, squinted or closed eyes, splayed ears, piloerection, abnormal gait

• Any health concerns are documented as per SOP 14.3 Clinical Health Reports - Rodent Records

Research Staff:

• Prior to the initiation of any experimental procedure, research staff are responsible for health checking the rats, ensuring that they are healthy and psychologically sound. The health check must include:
  • A baseline body weight
  • The animal’s mobility and ambulation
  • The responsiveness of the animal
  • The respiratory status
  • Tumour score (as necessary)
• Following initiation of the study, these parameters must be evaluated at minimum weekly, with frequency increased based on the clinical signs of the animal and the anticipated impact of the experimental model
• See Appendix 1 for an example of an Animal Welfare Assessment Score Sheet

Appendix 1:

ANIMAL WELFARE ASSESSMENT SCORE SHEET

Use the score sheet guide to determine intervention points and endpoints.

Score Sheet: Assigning Scores A-E:

* can be a score of 2 ONLY if prior approval from the Animal Care Committee