The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals states that "careful planning for all types of transportation should occur to ensure animal safety and well-being. The process of transportation should provide an appropriate level of animal biosecurity while minimizing zoonotic risks, protecting against environmental extremes, avoiding overcrowding, providing for the animals’ physical, physiologic, or behavioral needs and comfort, and protecting the animals and personnel from physical trauma.” To ensure animal welfare and personnel safety, the IACUC requires that special provisions be met regarding the transportation of animals outside of CMRU housing rooms (see IACUC Transportation Policy).
The CMRU is available to assist study teams with proper animal transport related to: procuring animals from a commercial vendor, transporting animals to a laboratory, or transferring animals to/from another institution.
Information on ordering animals from commercial vendors to be shipped to the CMRU can be found on the eSirius Animal Ordering page.
Transporting Animals on Campus
Transporting Animals on Campus
Rodent species may be transported to IACUC-approved use sites (laboratories) by research personnel following the guidelines described in the IACUC's transportation policy. Non-rodent mammals may be transferred by research personnel only via internal corridors; transport of non-rodent mammals outdoors must be conducted by CMRU personnel.
Any person transporting animals must be approved to handle animals by appropriate inclusion as key study personnel on the applicable IACUC-approved Proposal, or be a member of CMRU staff.
Public transportation and the use of bicycles, motorcycles or motor scooters are not acceptable or permitted under any circumstance. CMRU vehicles should be utilized for transportation within the city of Louisville, which can be arranged through the appropriate CMRU facility supervisor.
To request assistance transporting animals on campus please contact your CMRU facility supervisor.
Importing Animals to UofL
The CMRU coordinates the shipment of all animals into and out of the University of Louisville. The CMRU Import/Export Coordinator will request health information from other institutions, issue shipping approval to other institution once health information is reviewed, and coordinate the final shipping arrangements.
Investigators should allow at least 1 month for the importation process, to anticipate for processing of paperwork and shipment time. International shipments generally take longer than domestic shipments.
Principal Investigators must have the following items completed and approvedbefore any animals can be shipped to the CMRU:
- An approved IACUC Protocol
- A completed and approved Rodent Importation Request form. This form should be returned to Chris Wilber (502-852-6905), CMRU Import/Export Coordinator, for further processing. For non-rodent imports, please contact Penny White. Note: Incomplete forms will delay the review process.
IMPORTANT: Animal imports will only be approved if their health status is compatible with the CMRU vivariums. Any rodents shipped without approval will be euthanized upon arrival.
All animals shipped to the CMRU from non-approved vendors and/or other institutions must be quarantined to avoid the possible introduction of infectious agents to the University’s existing rodent colonies. Rodents are quarantined approximately 8 weeks at the discretion of the responsible CMRU veterinarian; all other animals are quarantined at the discretion of the responsible CMRU veterinarian. Animals in quarantine are tested for viral, bacterial, and parasitic agents.
Investigators are responsible for paying all expenses incurred during quarantine, including technician time, laboratory testing, and per diems.
Exporting Animals
Investigators seeking to export laboratory animals from UofL must complete the Rodent Exportation Request form and return it to Chris Wilber. For non-rodent exports, please contact Dr. Karen Powell. Animals will only be shipped after authorization from the receiving institution's veterinarian is received.
Shipping and processing fees apply to all domestic and international shipments.