Quality management for the international transport of laboratory animals

• Main Author: Steven L. Leary
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale 2008-03-01
• Series: Veterinaria Italiana
• Subjects: Air transportation; Animal; Animal welfare; Humane transport; Laboratory; Transportation; Regulation; Shipment; Welfare
• Online Access: http://www.izs.it/vet_italiana/2008/44_1/133.pdf

Increased collaboration between investigators at different institutions has increased the number of laboratory animals being transported. The current system of laws and regulations governing animal shipments is inconsistent and government agencies often have areas of overlapping regulatory management. Furthermore, the lack of industry-wide shipping standards and good practices contributes to confusion among those responsible for shipment. One answer to these quality control issues would be the establishment of independent, industry-regulated 'good practices' for animal transport, similar to those used in laboratories for experimental design. These good practices could be based on the existing International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations, with contributions from representatives of the specialties involved. Additionally, quality control under the current system of patchwork regulations could be improved if each institution, both academic and commercial, would designate a single point of contact to follow each shipment from start to finish.