STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

1. Performance Standard: All mice are checked daily for health, feed and water, and clean cages.

2. Protective Equipment: The personal protective equipment (PPE) listed below is to be used as indicated.

Required for animal room entry:
- Disposable nitrile gloves
Suggested
- Safety glasses

3. Procedure: These tasks are performed on a daily basis and care should be taken to ensure that no cages are missed.

Starting at the first rack on the left side of the room, check each cage for animal health, feed, water, and cleanliness. Use the step stool in the room, if necessary, to visually look into each cage. Note any new births. Add food to cages, if needed. Change any excessively dirty cages.
If water is provided via the automated watering system, flush the rack manifold daily from the top drain valve. Allow water to flow for approximately one minute then close the drain valve. Check to be sure the recoil hose is connected to the room distribution system and the rack, and that there is a cable tie between the room distribution system quick disconnect and the recoil hose plug. Attach a second cable tie to the quick disconnect attached on the rack side, if one is missing.
If a dead mouse is found, toggle the water valve to be sure water is flowing. If water is not flowing, recheck recoil hoses to be sure they are connected. If water is flowing, post a "Dead Animal Found" card on the cage with the number found dead, as well as the date found. Place the dead mouse in a clear baggie along with a copy of the Mortality Tracking Form. Place baggie in the proper drawer in the carcass cooler.

Send an E-mail to the Contact listed on the cage card concerning the dead mouse. The E-mail should contain the cage location (room and rack) and any other pertinent information (ear tag #) available.
- Check cages for Health Check cards. Perform any treatments indicated.
- Report ill animals using the Health Check cards. E-mail the lab contact as well and the ARC veterinary staff. If immediate attention is needed, verbally report this to the ARC veterinary staff. If immediate attention is needed on weekends, call the on-call vet.