Veterinary Care/Medical Surveillance Programs

The emphasis of the veterinary care/medical surveillance programs is on preventative medicine rather than curative medicine. It is important for researchers to use animals that are free of disease and complicating conditions. The quality of the research is no better than the quality of animals used.

All animals must have individual observations by animal caretakers on a daily basis. A thorough examination will be done by IACP personnel periodically or as requested by the animal caretakers or investigators.

If animals exhibit signs of disease in any of the UNL/CD facilities (even sick animals on disease research), the IACP office must be notified immediately. The IACP Attending/Clinical veterinarian will assist in treatment or obtaining treatment for the animals in consultation with the PI. In most cases the animal care personnel should report the sick animal. A diagnostic procedure, treatment regime or preventative program may be outlined by the attending veterinarian. After consultation with the PI, follow-up treatments may be the responsibility of the facility manager or animal care personnel as appropriate. The IACP must be notified of all sick animals even if the investigator is providing clinical veterinary care.

If an animal dies, a necropsy may be required unless a specific cause of death is known. The UNL Veterinary Diagnostic Center or other laboratories will be utilized for assistance in diagnosis as needed. Diagnostic fees are the responsibility of the department supporting the project. However, the IACP will assist with the fees whenever appropriate.

Emergency, Weekend & Holiday Care

In an emergency, institutional security personnel, fire or police officials must be able to contact the people responsible for the animals. This shall be accomplished by supplying security officers and the University operator with a list of personnel responsible for the facility and their telephone numbers. Animals must be observed and cared for by qualified personnel every day, including weekends and holidays, both to safeguard their well-being and to satisfy research requirements.

Veterinary care after normal work hours, on weekends and on holidays will be available to all units where animals used for research and teaching are maintained. A copy of the weekend or holiday schedule of personnel caring for the animals will be posted in a visible location close to the entrance of the facility. In an emergency call 314-4341 or 314-4333. Leave a phone number where you can be contacted. The on-call veterinarian will contact the person activating the pager as soon as possible.

Disposal of Dead Animals

The attending veterinarian or his/her designee, should be notified if an animal dies. A necropsy may not be required on all animals. If a necropsy is requested, the carcass should be taken to the UNL Veterinary Diagnostic Center or IACP (small animals only) as soon after death as possible. Tissue begins to deteriorate at death and even one to two hours delay may cause an erroneous report.

There is a Night Deposit Cooler located on the east side of the UNL Veterinary Diagnostic Center. This cooler will accommodate up to a 100 pound animal. When depositing an animal carcass in this cooler, fill out the information sheet on the clipboard located on the east wall. Information needed on this sheet includes:

Owner's name and address
Animal identification number
Species
Age of animal
History of treatment
The individual who took the animal to the laboratory

If the animal carcass is accompanied by completed blue diagnostic forms (including history), place forms in plastic holder inside cooler next to information sheet clipboard. When depositing samples (such as a biopsy), place the sample in the plastic tub with appropriate diagnostic forms attached.

If hazardous agents have been used in animals, they should be disposed of according to approved directions in the application to use animals form.

The best method of disposing of laboratory animals and waste is incineration. Dead animals must be kept in plastic bags in a cold storage area away from live animals until incineration. Dead animals must not be put in dumpsters or the regular garbage disposal channels.

Wastes are to be removed on a regular, frequent basis and disposed of in a safe and sanitary manner, such as incineration.

In situations where waste cans are utilized, the cans shall be made of metal or plastic and must be leak-proof and equipped with tight fitting lids. The containers should be washed with a disinfectant after each use. If waste must be stored before removal, the waste storage area should be separated from animal housing and other storage facilities and free of vermin. A cold storage unit will reduce decomposition of biological wastes.

Infectious waste must be sterilized or adequately contained before removal from the facility.

If animals have been exposed to carcinogens, contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety for disposal methods of animals, animal wastes and bedding.

If animals have been exposed to radioactive isotopes, contact the EHS Radiation Safety Officer for assistance in disposal methods.