american association for laboratory animal science

2007 TBAALAS ProgramMay 9-11, 2007
American Association For Laboratory Animal Science
Celebrating Dedication to Caring and Commitment
May 9-11, 2007 Wyndham Arlington
Arlington, Texas Program Co-Chairs Local Arrangements Chair Valeri Lansford, RLATG Pat Sikes, MS Hugh Harroff, DVM
4 AALAS District VII
New Mexico Branch Dr. Rick Lee Mr. Frank Ali
Oklahoma Branch Ms. Misty Troutt Ms. Treva Lawson
Texas Branch
Dr. Hugh Harroff Co-Chair
Ms. Valeri Lansford Chair
Metro St Louis Branch Mr. George Nugent Ms. Peggy Nahorski Ms. Tamra Whittenberg
Mile High Branch Ms. Ellen Taylor Ms. Julia Granowski
Mid Missouri Branch Ms. Tammy Rold Dr. Aric Krogstad
Kansas City Branch Ms. Jennifer Brooks Ms. Shannon Jones
2007 Meeting Program 5
Mr. Christian Newcomer, AALAS Vice President-Elect Dr. Ann Turner, AALAS Executive Director
Dr. Alexander Dunlap, MD, DVM, FAAFP, Tecniplast Special Topics Lecture
SILENT AUCTION Visit the Silent Auction and make a bid on your favorite items! Bidding closes at 3:30 pm Thursday. Winning bids will be announced during the Awards Banquet. Cash or check payments can be made by noon on Friday.
LEARNING RESOURCES CENTER There is a wealth of knowledge available to you in the Learning Resources Center. We encourage you to stop by and view some of our many videotapes on a variety of laboratory animal issues.
TECH LOUNGE The Tech Lounge will be located in conjunction with the Learning Resources Center. It is intended to provide a relaxed atmosphere for technicians in which they can have an opportunity to learn about national AALAS and meet the officers, meet TBAALAS officers, and just “kick back”. There will be door prizes and other giveaways.
SPECIAL THANKS Thanks to all the volunteers who made this meeting possible. Thanks also to our vendor participants for their continued support for our meeting and our branches.
713-522-5393
[email protected] 210 292-6094
713 798-7871
www.tbaalas.org
Valerie Fiolkoski, President Elect Sheryl Carter, Past President
Kim Olson, Secretary Gail Heidbrink, Treasurer
Brian Gilman, Board Member Rick Heimbichner, Board Member Julia Granowski, Board Member Lynelle Lopez, Board Member
Louisiana Branch Mark Murchison, President
Rick Ramsey, President Elect Cynthia Kloster, Past President
Melissa Brown, Secretary/Treasurer David Landals, Board Member
Rickey Burkhalter, Board Member Linda Chase, Board Member
Metro St. Louis Branch John Hancock, President
Treasurer Gail Moore
Gerro Pannell, Board Member Debbie Hernandez, Board Member
David Pizanan, Board Member Paul Langner, Board Member
Oklahoma Branch President Misty Troutt
Secretary Treva Lawson Treasurer Denver Marlow Historian Roman Wolfe
Arkansas Branch Carol Cain, President
Mid Missouri Branch Aric Krogstad, President
Kansas City Branch Jennifer Brooks, President
District VII Executive Boards of Directors
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Wednesday, May 9 Registration Champions Foyer 8 am-5 pm CMAR Exam Triple Crown 8 am-Noon Officer Orientation Indy 500 10 am-Noon AREA Program Legends 10 am-2 pm Comm. Vendor Presentations Hall of Fame 10 am-Noon Tech Lounge/Learning Center Triple Crown 1 pm-4 pm Vendor Exhibit Set-up Champions 8 am-12 pm LAAALAS Board Meeting Triple Crown noon-1:00 pm Scientific Session Hall of Fame 1-5 pm Vendor Lunch w/AREA Champions 11 am-12:45 Exhibits Open Champions 1 pm – 5 pm Silent Auction Bidding Champions 1 pm - 5 pm Poster Session Champions foyer 1- 5:00 pm LA Managers Triple Crown 5-5:30 pm Welcome Reception Poolside 5:30-7:00 pm Live Auction Poolside 6:00 pm
Thursday, May 10 Registration Champions Foyer 7:30 am-5 pm Continental Breakfast Champions 7:30 am-8:30 am Tech Lounge /Learning Center Triple Crown 9 am-11:00 am, Noon-3:00 pm Scientific Session A Hall of Fame 8 am –Noon, 1:00-4:30 pm Parasite Wet Lab Legends 9 -11 am Exhibits/Poster Sessions Champions 8-11:00 am, Noon-3:30 pm Silent Auction Bidding Champions 8-11:00 am, Noon-3:30 pm Scientific Session B Legends 2:05 – 3:10 pm Exhibit Dismantle Champions 3:45-6 pm NMAALAS Board Meeting Triple Crown 4:30-5:30 pm Cash Bar Reception Plaza on the Hill 6:30-7 pm Awards Banquet Plaza on the Hill 7-9 pm
Friday, May 11 Registration Champions Foyer 7:30 – 9:00am Continental Breakfast Champions Foyer 7:30 -8:30am Scientific Session Hall of Fame 8:00 am-Noon Scientific Session B Legends 8-9:30 am TBAAAS Board Meeting Yacht Club Noon-3 pm
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 8:00 - 12:00- Dr. Cindy Buckmaster CMAR Exam Triple Crown Room 10:00 - 2:30 – Dr. Hugh Harroff & Dr. Egeenee Daniels Animal Research Education & Awareness (AREA Program) Legends Room
Commercial Vendor Platform Presentations Hall of Fame Room
Moderator: Ms. Lisa Brown 10:00 - 10:20 Mr. Brian Clark - Airnet-Compassionate Transport of Lab Animals
10:20 - 10:40 Mr. Mark Czarneski - ClorDiSys Solutions, Inc.-Decontamination of 70 Room New Lab Animal Facility
10:40 - 11:00 Mr. Greg Sharp - Green Products Company-Corncobs 101 - getting cobs from the field to the lab
11:00 - 11:20 Ms. Teresa Cremer - WR², Inc.-Integrated Systems for the Management of Biologic, Biohazardous and Infectious Waste in Animal Facilities
11:20 - 11:40 Dr G.F. Rivard - Animal Care Systems- Optimal MicroEnvironmental Conditions for Mice
11:40 - 12:00 Mr. Paul Lorcheim - ClorDiSys Solutions, Inc.- Selecting the Right Decontamination Method
12:00 Ms. Valeri Lansford - Wrap up/Announcements
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch on your own
Scientific Sessions Hall of Fame Room
Moderator: Dr. Rick Lee 1:00 - 1:05 Ms. Kathleen McKay (President of TBAALAS) - Welcome to Texas!
1:05 - 1:10 Ms. Gail Heidbrink – 2009 National AALAS Meeting in Denver
1:10 - 1:20 Ms. Patricia Sikes & Ms. Valeri Lansford -Welcome from Local Arrangements/Program Chairs
1:20 - 1:50 Dr. Christian Newcomer (AALAS Vice President) & Dr. Ann Turner (AALAS Execu- tive Director) - Laboratory Animal Science in the 21st Century
1:50 - 2:15 Ms. Leticia McGuffey & Mr. Brian Gillman - Meet your District VII Trustees
2:15 - 3:00 Ms. Lynell Dupepe – Facing a Category Five Storm, preparations, successes, and challenges
3:00 - 3:30 Break
3:30 - 3:45 Mr. David Salazar -The Designing of a New Induction/Recovery/Euthanasia Chamber and Manifold for Mice and Other Small Animals-(See David with Chamber in Tech Lounge from 9:00-10:00 Thursday)
3:45 - 4:00 Dr. Brian Gibson-Case Report: Establishing a Standardized Dental Record Keeping System for a Small Investigational Colony of Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
4:00 - 4:15 Ms. Cynthia Kloster -Where do I go from Here in my Laboratory Animal Career?
4:15 - 4:30 Dr. Robert Rose-Perineal Mass in a Rat
4:30 - 4:45 Dr. Michael Lammey-Cardiovascular Evaluation of Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
4:45 - 5:00 Ms. Valeri Lansford - Closing Remarks and Announcements
5:30 - 7:00 Evening Social Welcome Reception – Poolside - Visit from the Ft. Worth Zoo “Wild Wonders Outreach Program” and Live Auction
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Wet Lab Legends Room (by preregistration only)
9:00 - 10:00-Dr. Mark McArthur - Parasites: The Long and Short of It Legends Room (by preregistration only) 10:00 - 11:00-Dr. Mark McArthur - The Long and Short of It Legends Room (by preregistration only) Scientific Sessions
Hall of Fame Room Moderator: Mr. Frank Ali 8:00 - 8:15 Ms. Lisa Maloy- Case Report of Chronic Bloating In Rhesus Macaque
8:15 - 8:30 Ms. M. L. Loney - What & How Do You Show?
8:30 - 8:45 Ms. Kathrine Phillippi-Falkenstein -Tetanus infection and successful implementation of preventative vaccine program at Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC)
8:45 - 9:00 Mr. Michael G. Sidelsky, Sr. - Biocontainment- Easier Said Then Done
9:00 - 9:15 Mr. Don Daniels - Increasing Rodent Cage Density in Existing Rooms
9:15 - 9:30 Mr. Gordon Yee- PlasTek – A Star Trekers’ Look at Lab Animal Plastics
9:30 - 10:30 Break in Vendor area
10:30 - 10:45 Ms. Pamela Huskey - Preventing Cross Contamination of Genotyping Samples Through Effective Decontamination
10:45 - 11:00 Ms. Belinda Rivera-Taking Some of the Mystery out of Imaging
11:00 - 12:00 Tecniplast Special Topics Lecture Dr. Alexander Dunlap, MD, DVM, FAAFP Laboratory Animal Care in Space
12:00 - 1:00 Box Lunch in Vendor Area
Scientific Session A
Hall of Fame Room Moderator: Ms. Tamra Whittenberg 1:00 - 1:20 Ms. Belinda Proctor - Increasing AALAS Certification - The Lexicon Success Story
1:20 - 2:05 Ms. Lorraine Hough & Ms. Gale Davy- Inreach/Outreach: The who, what, when, where, how and why YOU must get involved!
2:05 - 2:20 Dr. Cheryl L. Haughton - Chinchilla Challenges: Tips on Biology, Housing, Handling, and Care
2:20 - 2:35 Dr. D. Rick Lee –Humane Enpoints for Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research
2: 35 - 2:50 Dr. Stacy Pritt-New Information on the Colonization and Transmission of Bordetella bronchiseptica in Rabbits
2:50 - 3:05 Mr. Adam Warner- Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor (HPV) decontamination of MD Anderson Cancer Center’s New Animal Vivarium
3:05 - 3:45 Break
3:45 - 4:00 Mr. Scott Holmes – Rust in your Water, or is it
4:00 - 4:15 Dr. Karen A. Tatum - Look Past the Mouse; Investigating All Possibilities When Faced with a Potential Outbreak
4:15 - 4:20 Ms. Valeri Lansford – Closing Remarks & Announcements
4:20 - 4:40 Texas Branch AALAS General Membership Meeting
6:30 - 9:30 Cocktail Reception & Awards Banquet – The Pavilion Poolside
Scientific Session B—Roundtable Discussion
Legends Room 2:05 - 3:10 “Issues in Transgenic Rodent Production”- Ms Traci Reddick & Ms Kim Hildreth
Friday, May 11, 2007
Moderator: Dr. Terry Blasdel 8:00 - 8:30 Mr. Dan Riestenberg-Floor Care
8:30 - 8:45 Mr. William Clarke- Laboratory Diet Formulation Methods – Clearing the Confusion
8: 45 - 9:15 Ms. Jamieson L. Greaver-Animal Technician Training for Impact
9:15 - 9:45 Dr. Gordon Brackee- Design Features of the LSRB Animal Facility at UT Southwestern
9:45 - 10:00 Ms. Lea Bitner –Welcome To Utah: It's Not What You Think!
10:00 - 10:15 Break
10:15 - 10:40 Ms. Krystine Potter - The Role of Cage Location on Stereotypical Behavior in Adult, Male, Singly Caged Cynomolgus Macaques
10:40 - 10:55 Dr. Joe Simmons- Multiplexed Diagnostic Testing: Ensuring the Quality of Your Diag- nostic Testing Results
10:55 - 11:10 Mr. Frank N. Ali -A Business Plan for Animal Care Facilities in a Contract Research Laboratory
11:10 - 11:25 Dr. Paul Langner- Immunopharmacotherapy Safety Testing in Laboratory Animals
11:25 - 11:40 Mr. Brian Gillman - Outsourcing Branch Management – Is this the best way?
11:40 - 11:55 2009 National Meeting in Denver – Discussion from District VII Members!
11:55 - 12:00 Ms. Valeri Lansford - Closing Remarks
Scientific Session B—Workshop
Legends Room ( by preregistration only) 8:00 - 9:30 Dr. Ann Turner - You are now A Manager ADJOURN
Changes for A Male Chimpanzee
Mr. Dewan Haque - Progression of Loss of Glucose Tolerance in Female NOD Mice
Dr. Jan Parker-Thornburg - Cryopreservation as a tool for optimizing animal use in transgenic facilities
Ms. Jennifer Sharp - The Impact of an Animal Care Technician on Scientific Studies
Ms. Karin Bailey - “Swiss Roll”- It’s Not for Breakfast
Ms. Kimberly Bonnet - The Ultimate Pooper Scooper
Ms. Teresa Flores - Chimpanzees Gone Wild Over Enrichment!
Mr. Mansa Melvin - Streamlining International Rodent Shipments
Mr. Pedro Barajas - Improving The Health Care of Chimpanzees: The Technicians Role
Ms. Deborah Minor - My Trip To The National AALAS Meeting As Lab Products’ Technician of the Year 2005 For District 7
Ms. Cynthia Kloster - Cost Efficient Humidity Monitoring: Is Your Facility Really at 55% RELATIVE HUMIDITY
Mr. Frankie Anders - Training Non-human Primates to Jump from Cage to Cage
Mr. Reafa Bickham - Post-surgical Recovery of Non-human Primates at the Tulane National Primate Research Center
Ms. Debbie Phillips - Environmental Enrichment in a Mini Pig Production Facility
Dr. Stacy Pritt - Development of Conjunctivitis in Nude Mice Housed on Different Bedding
Mr. Anthony P. McMickle - Improving Methods of Oral Nicotine Self-Administration
Ms. Elizabeth Scanlon - A Modification to a Common BAL Technique to Enhance Sample Diagnostic Value
Mr Gary J. Barron - Tips, Suggestions & Communication Issues for Importing and Exporting Rodents
Ms. Carla Sockey - Undergraduate Opportunities In Animal Care and Research at Arkansas State University
Dr. Stacy Pritt - The Consolidation of ResearchTraining.org into the AALAS Learning Library
Ms. Theresa Flores - The Use of LabGel-PE™ as a Delivery Medium for Medication in Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Don’t forget to check out the Silent Auction! Each District VII Branch has items up for auction &
proceeds benefit Branch activities.
The Silent Auction tables are located in the Exhibit Area, so stop by! Champions Room
Wednesday 1pm—5pm Thursday 8am—11am & 12noon—3:30pm
Bidding Closes at 3:30pm on Thursday!
Remember: Bid Early! Bid Often!
Attention new Texas Branch RALATs, RLATs, RLATGs, and CMARs!
Have you recently earned your AALAS Certification?
Each of our newly certified Texas Branch individuals receives a complimentary one-year TBAALAS membership!
If you’ve recently become certified, contact:
Belinda Proctor, Membership Chair [email protected]
281 863-3173
PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
Commercial Vendor Platform Presentations Compassionate Transport of Lab Animals Brian D Clark, Airnet Given the theme of this year’s conference, “Celebrating dedication to care and commitment,” I believe a talk about our company would fit right in. We specialize in the safe and compassionate and transport of lab animals and we are dedicated and committed to doing it right. There are several facets of the transportation process that should be considered by labs when they need to transport animals, particularly by air: will the process be temperature controlled? Who will be handling the animals? Have they been trained how to handle them? Are they experts in handling sensitive cargo? What happens in the event of flight delays or cancellations? With all the care and attention that is given to animals in the facility equal care and consideration should be given to the way in which they are transported. Decontamination of 70 Room New Lab Animal Facility Mr. Mark Czarneski, ClorDiSys Solutions, Inc. This case study describes the decontamination process using gaseous chlorine dioxide to proactively decontaminate a180,000 cubic feet animal research building. The facility was a new research area where the company desired to ensure that it was free of any pathogens before the research animals were brought into the facility. All of the equipment was to be decontaminated in place thereby reducing the need to autoclave all incoming equipment. The facility also had a complicated geometry with approximately 70 rooms of various sizes off of two main hallways. Chlorine dioxide gas was chosen because of its ability to reach all surfaces including floor drains and HVAC duct work, its gentleness on materials, minimal equipment required and quickness of the decontamination process. During the actual decontamination process, chlorine dioxide gas was delivered to the facility using 5 generators to reach and maintain the proper concentration. Decontamination efficacy was demonstrated using paper strip biological indicators, containing 106 spores of Bacillus atrophaeous, This work demonstrates the utility and efficacy of using gaseous chlorine dioxide for the decontamination of large facilities with many equipment surfaces, a complex geometry of numerous rooms, and miscellaneous electronic equipment without the need to separate the area into smaller volumes. Corncobs 101 - getting cobs from the field to the lab Mr. Greg Sharp, Green Products Company Corncob bedding has been a laboratory mainstay for decades. Learn why the raw material supply is finite, how they are processed, and what other markets and applications utilize corncob particles. Additionally, gain perspective on the impact to the corncob industry from ethanol made from corn and cellulose. Progress on the development of a sanitized corncob bedding product will also be covered. Integrated Systems for the Management of Biologic, Biohazardous and Infectious Waste in Animal Facilities Ms. Teresa Cremer, WR², Inc. The combination of alkaline hydrolysis at elevated temperatures to dispose of biologic waste (the WR² Process) and on- site processing of all other regulated medical waste (red bag waste), general laboratory waste, and animal bedding with the WR² technologies provides a secure, efficient, economical, and environmentally responsible program for waste management in veterinary and medical animal research facilities and hospitals.
Optimal MicroEnvironmental Conditions for Mice Dr. G.F. Rivard, Animal Care Systems Principal investigators using mice in biomedical research strive to improve experimental design for the production of valid data while implementing the Three R’s concept of Russell & Burch. The production of valid data is associated with the control of a triangular interplay of factors – genetic, health, and environmental factors. The control of environmental factors that include conditions, disturbances, and stressors would assure optimal microenvironmental conditions throughout the experiment. We look at air velocity, ventilation efficiency, noise and vibration, as well as environmental enrichment inside ventilated cages as a source of variables and in relation to animal care and use. Selecting the Right Decontamination Method Mr. Paul Lorcheim, ClorDiSys Solutions, Inc. This presentation describes and compares the primary methods of sterilizing / decontaminating clean rooms. The methods considered include gaseous systems, vapor systems, misting systems, and fogging, as well as manual spray and wipe techniques. The goal is to give the listeners an understanding of what the benefits and drawbacks of each method are so that an educated decision can be made as to what methods are best suited for different required levels of decontamination. It describes the penetrating ability of gaseous methods, the simplicity of spray and wipe techniques, the cost effectiveness of fogging and formaldehyde, and issues of “wet” vapors versus “dry” vapors. The practical aspects of the different methods are also compared and contrasted. Room size and configuration limitations are discussed. Effectiveness against recontamination from within the room is discussed as are new techniques such as “sterilization” rooms which can ensure the sterility of equipment and components prior to them being brought into a clean room. The scale-up of the various methods are discussed and compared. By comparing the various methods, the proper method can be utilized for the desired level of decontamination that the user wants and requires for each particular application.
Scientific Sessions Facing a Category Five Storm, preparations, successes, and challenges Ms. Lynell Dupepe, Tulane University Health Science Center On Sunday, August 28, 2005, when residents of southeast Louisiana were given the order for mandatory evacuation due to the approaching unprecedented Category 5 hurricane, we all knew we were in for a ride. However, no one expected the roller coaster ride to last for several months. At most, we all expected to be back, business as usual, in a couple of days. Instead, we came back to destruction of Biblical proportions. Although our disaster plans were tested by the worst storm recorded in history, all of the planning and preparation paid off thanks to the tireless efforts of a hand full of brave and dedicated technicians. It took most of a week to coordinate personnel and to assemble resources necessary for evacuating transgenic founder animals from three facilities on two campuses. With the combined efforts of Federal and State officials along with Tulane personnel and friends in the industry, we were able to rescue the founder colonies and transfer them to appropriate holding facilities. This combined effort is testimony to the dedication, caring and commitment we are celebrating at the 2007 AALAS District VII meeting. The Designing of a New Induction/Recovery/Euthanasia Chamber and Manifold for Mice and Other Small Animals Mr. David Salazar, William Beaumont Army Medical Center Temporary downsizing of staff, coupled with budget constraints, forced our lab to re evaluate our methods and
materials. The outcome leads to equipment modification. Exploring our options, we realized that the type of custom induction chamber needed for our research was either commercially unavailable or cost prohibitive. The next logical step was to build an in-house model. The primary goal was to design a system that would 1) reduce procedure time and manpower without adversely affecting the data 2) meet and exceed industry safety standards 3) regulate the gas exchange through independent controls in each chamber. In conclusion, our prototype met and exceeded all needs and expectations. This was evidenced by a reduction or elimination of anxiety and aversion, reduced anesthesia and recovery time. The model has air tight fittings that are not permanent allowing for easy adaptation and modification for other small animals in research. Case Report: Establishing a Standardized Dental Record Keeping System for a Small Investigational Colony of Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) Dr. Brian Gibson, Baylor College of Medicine Center for Comparative Medicine Dental hygiene is becoming an increasingly important component of quality health care for laboratory animals, especially nonhuman primates (NHPs). The key to a successful health care program is an effective and efficient record keeping system. In an effort to standardize a dental hygiene program for a small colony of NHPs we have developed a dental recording chart specific for rhesus monkeys. This dental chart was made using the Modified Triadan System. The purpose of developing and implementing a dental hygiene program and standard dental chart is to minimize variables that may affect research data. All NHPs in this Pharmacokinetic model are instrumented with one or more Central Venous Access Devices (CVAD). Select NHPs are instrumented with Ommaya reservoirs placed in the 4th ventricle and Lateral Ventricular Catheters. The nature of this model commands that all animals be in optimal physical condition including dental health. Where do I go from Here in my Laboratory Animal Career? Ms. Cynthia Kloster, Pennington Biomedical Research Center Climbing the corporate ladder can be confusing for the laboratory animal technician. Once starting the certification tract the main question is what is my next step for obtaining my career goals. This presentation is an overview of a technician who started in veterinary medicine and transferred into a career path of laboratory animal medicine. Real decision making and career objectives are mentioned as to how to position oneself for the next step in their career. This program will be interactive for group discussion. Perineal Mass in a Rat Dr. Robert Rose, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas A 24 month old male F344/Brown Norway hybrid rat was examined for a perineal mass just ventral to the anus and dorsal to the scrotum. The mass was soft, non-painful and did not appear to interfere with normal defecation. Differential diagnosis included neoplasia, cyst formation, perineal hernia, and organized abscess. The rat was anesthetized with isoflurane and the skin over the mass was incised to facilitate surgical exploration and possible removal of the mass. The mass contained purulent material which originated from a necrotic testis. Purulent material was drained, necrotic debris was excised and the surgical site was flushed. The atrophied contralateral testis was removed during the procedure. Histopathology and bacterial culture were submitted for analysis. The rat recovered from the procedure uneventfully. Results of aerobic bacterial culture were negative. Histopathology revealed a pyogranulomatous epididymitis (sperm granuloma) most likely as a secondary response to release of spermatozoa from ruptured seminiferous tubules. Sperm granulomas are most often associated with vasectomy and administration of certain chemicals (L-cysteine and 2-methylimidazole) unlike the spontaneous presentation in this case.
Cardiovascular Evaluation of Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) Dr. Michael Lammey, Alamogordo Primate Center Cardiovascular disease is currently the primary cause of mortality among captive chimpanzee populations. An extensive, complete cardiovascular evaluation is imperative to diagnose and treat cardiac diseases in these animals. Assessment of cardiovascular health is essential for veterinarians and technicians to provide a comprehensive healthcare program. The diagnostic protocol used at our facility includes an annual physical examination, serial blood pressures, CBC, serum biochemistry, cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiography, thoracic radiographs and, if warranted, serial echocardiograms. Echocardiograms are evaluated and standard measurements are analyzed by a board certified veterinary cardiologist. Use of these techniques can provide a solid cardiac evaluation. Assessment of cardiac function along with early detection of cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias is needed to make informed treatment and medical decisions. Information derived from physical and cardiac examinations is currently being used to establish a database of reference values. Case Report of Chronic Bloating in Rhesus Macaque Ms. Lisa Maloy, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio The incidence of chronic bloating in Rhesus Macaques can become challenging to control in a large clinical environment. At our facility, we were faced with this challenge in an adolescent Rhesus that bloated multiple times over a course of several weeks with each incident requiring sedation and stomach pumping. The course of treatment included decreased the amount of food at meals, increased number of meals, limited water access, anti-gas medication, increased calorie intake and diagnostic testing. I will discuss the methods we took to treat chronic bloat in this Rhesus macaque and the outcomes of this case. What & How Do You Show? Ms. M.L. Loney, Bayer CropScience To sustain a career in your selected vocation, one must decide what s/he believes in. What do you demonstrate to those around you? Do your activities include levels of dedication, caring and commitment (advocacy) toward the research community? This presentation is intended to be “food for thought”; helping individuals to focus on how their daily activities and general practices impact what others see or think about the research community. It will include suggestions to aide in the recognition, utilization and creation of positive impacts toward opportunities we often encounter. I will share a few personal motivation examples in a good faith effort to help extend individual careers and boost the research community’s future. Tetanus infection and successful implementation of preventative vaccine program at Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) Ms. Kathrine Phillippi-Falkenstein, Tulane National Primate Research Center Tetanus is a naturally occurring disease that affects both captive and free-ranging populations of macaques. Prior to 2004, the incidence rate for tetanus in the macaque breeding colonies at TNPRC ranged from 2.21 to 2.91 cases per population of 1000 with a case fatality of 72.2%. In 2004, there was a sharp increase in the incidence of tetanus (6.23 cases per population of 1000) and case-fatality (82.5%). This spike coincided with increased construction at the facility. Most cases occurred in October through December which coincides with the rhesus monkey breeding season. Monkeys affected were predominately 5 to 7 year old females. In response to this outbreak, a preventative vaccine program was implemented. All breeding colony animals greater than two months of age were vaccinated with 0.5 mL equine tetanus toxoid (Fort Dodge) intramuscularly during regularly scheduled inventories. There has been a dramatic decline in the incidence of tetanus (0.54 cases per population of 1000).
Biocontainment- Easier Said Then Done Mr. Michael G. Sidelsky, Sr., Allentown, Inc. Using technology developed over almost a decade , tried and true methods for achieving biocontainment of rodents has evolved in this steadily growing area. The trick is utilizing not only the equipment, but also the procedures, methods, materials, and techniques. Attention to detail is an important facet of implementation of any successful venture in biocontainment. A well trained workforce and end users is essential. That old acronym “KIKO” still applies to this day. KIKO or Keep In Keep Out is not only applicable to breeding,quarantine, and non- infectious disease animal research, but especially to biocontainment. Simple to follow procedures and technique will be presented. They in turn will be incorporated in a comprehensive program of traffic, both human and animal, control policy. As will flow patterns for materials and equipment both clean and dirty. Decontamination of equipment by VHP, chemical, and steam autoclave as options will also be presented Increasing Rodent Cage Density in Existing Rooms Mr. Don Daniels, Alternative Design Maximizing rodent density is a major issue for many vivariums. The demand for research is outpacing the animal holding space available plus ever increasing new construction, renovation and equipment investment costs are adding to the density strain. Don Daniels will review the questions a facility needs to answer when considering an increase in rodent density, including the balance between density and ergonomics. He will also review what various caging manufacturers are doing to help resolve animal room density problems. PlasTek – A Star Trekers’ Look at Lab Animal Plastics Mr. Gordon Yee, Ancare, Inc. Plastics – its life-long mission to house mice, and withstand chemical degradation. To boldly be autoclaved as no plastic has been autoclaved before! This is an entertaining and educational look at the plastics used every day in the lab animal environment. Covering the majority of polymers currently available, we will discuss their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their respective subjectivity to both physical and chemical attack. A great way to determine just why bottles are hazing, cages are cracking, or plastics are breaking-down overall, attendees will walk out with a smile and a clearer understanding of how to make plastic products live long and prosper. The Role of Cage Location on Stereotypical Behavior in Adult, Male, Singly Caged Cynomolgus Macaques Krystine Potter, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute We believe cage location effects animal behavior. When a macaque exhibits abnormal behavior including stereotypies, the first thing one does is change the cage location in a room. This can be as simple as a movement from a lower cage to an upper cage. We’ve been doing this at LRRI and it appears successful; however, we decided to put this into a study form so we could measure the changes we believed we were seeing and statistically evaluate its effectiveness. Our study involved adult male singly housed cynomolgus macaques in a standard laboratory setting. If an animal exhibited abnormal behavior, their behavior was documented using a generic behavior frequency data sheet. Then the animal was moved to a better location (upper cage or away from an aggressive conspecific, etc.) and re-evaluated by the same observer at 5 days and 10 days post movement. The before and after behaviors were compared using a statistical test and the results showed a significant difference between the behaviors before and after moving them to a different location . Our conclusion is that cage location strongly impacts behavior in macacques and should be the first thing done when an animal shows stereotypical or abnormal behavior.
Taking Some of the Mystery out of Imaging Ms. Belinda Rivera, Baylor College of Medicine The increasing use of imaging equipment in research facilities is prompting more questions than answers for animal care personnel. Information such as, equipment capability, cost, animal preparation, and safety concerns on several of the most common imaging modalities will be presented along with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. Increasing AALAS Certification – Lexicon’s Success Story Ms. Belinda Proctor, Lexicon Genetics, Incorporated Lexicon Genetics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of breakthrough treatments for human disease. We are systematically discovering the physiological and behavioral functions of genes to identify potential points of therapeutic intervention, or drug targets. Lexicon’s Vivarium Operations Department plays a critical role in this process by providing healthy animal models to our researchers. We believe that hiring capable people; providing employees with competent, knowledgeable supervision, good on-the-job training; and increasing AALAS certification allows us to provide the highest quality of care to our laboratory animals. AALAS certification is a professional, expert endorsement of an individual’s level of knowledge in Laboratory Animal Science. Lexicon assists eligible employees in obtaining AALAS certification by providing an effective AALAS Certification Training Program. This program has been very successful by assisting 73 (63 ALAT, 8 LAT, 2 LATG) employees become AALAS certified. This presentation summarizes Lexicon’s process and outcome of building a successful certification training program (lessons learned and methods that work) and will hopefully provide enough information, ideas, and encouragement for others to develop their own successful AALAS Certification Program and increase AALAS certification at their own institutions. Inreach/Outreach: The who, what, when, where, how and why YOU must get involved! Ms. Lorraine Hough, Texas Society for Biomedical Research Has this ever happened to you? You run into an old high school friend you haven’t seen in years and they ask, “So what do you do for a living?” and you’re not quite sure what to say? Your kid comes home from school and says “hey Mom/Dad we are having a career day will you come speak to my class”? Ever recognize someone at the grocery store, but you just don’t know from where? Then, after a few moments, realize that you work for the same institution but you are reluctant to say which department you work in? If you have found yourself in any of these or similar situations you are not alone. But why should you, an integral member of a research team working to eliminate pain, suffering and disease be reluctant to profess your occupation with pride? Perhaps it is just a lack of the right messaging and outreach training which is exactly what you will get by attending this session. Lorraine Hough, Executive Director of the Texas Society for Biomedical Research and Gale Davy, Executive Director of States United for Biomedical Research will provide an introduction to the tools and mechanisms you need to make you into a competent and effective educator and advocate for biomedical research and for your profession. You must get involved! Chinchilla Challenges: Tips on Biology, Housing, Handling, and Care Dr. Cheryl L. Haughton, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas Chinchillas present some unique challenges in the research environment. The following are tips on biology, housing, handling, and care. Chinchillas are rodents native to the Andes mountains in South America. They have stocky bodies with short legs, rounded ears, long whiskers, a bushy tail, and a soft, dense coat. Known for their charming temperament, ease of handling, and large accessible eardrums, chinchillas are popular animals for auditory studies. Preferred housing suits their needs of being able to jump, climb, and be active. They are heat sensitive, so moderate temperature and humidity is important. Heat stroke can be a potentially fatal consequence of exposure to warmer
temperatures. With continuous teeth growth and a strong desire to gnaw chinchilla requires social toys for good dental health. Dust baths are part of the chinchilla’s rooming habit, being critical to maintaining good appearance. Though generally inquisitive, chinchillas can be shy, so acclimate them to routine handling. Fur slip can result from inappropriate capturing and/or handling procedures. A high fiber pelleted diet and fresh water are essential for good health. Enteritis can result from poor management practices. Knowledge of normal chinchilla biology and behavior enables establishment of good care and management practices to utilize chinchillas well in research. Humane Endpoints for Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research Dr. Rick Lee, Alamogordo Primate Center Humane endpoints are criteria established to determine when an animal is to be humanely euthanized or removed from a study. The reason for developing humane endpoints is to minimize the distress or suffering of research animals. However, taking an animal off a study or premature euthanasia could jeopardize the study results and potentially waste the life of experimental animals. Nonhuman primates are used for various experimental studies. By law, humane endpoints must be defined for animals to reduce the severity and duration of unrelieved pain and distress. Early endpoint criteria can be established by using a scoring system to monitor several clinical signs and physiological parameters in conjunction with noninvasive imaging techniques and biomarkers. Therefore, the moribund state or death can be avoided as endpoints, while allowing for the collection of essential samples prior to a timely euthanasia. In addition, a clinical policy should be established at each institution to address animals that are not assigned to a protocol. Specific clinical and experimental guidelines for nonhuman primate endpoints will be presented. New Information on the Colonization and Transmission of Bordetella bronchiseptica in Rabbits Dr. Stacy Pritt, Covance Research Products, Inc. Bordetella bronchiseptica can be a common inhabitant of the respiratory tract of laboratory rabbits. While the organism can rarely be associated with respiratory disease in rabbits, the vast majority of laboratory rabbits display no clinical signs when colonized by the bacterium. This presentation will focus on new information related to colonization and transmission of B. bronchiseptica in rabbits. Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor (HPV) decontamination of MD Anderson Cancer Center’s New Animal Vivarium Mr. Adam Warner, Bioquell, Inc. This is a short summary presentation that will talk about the recent bio-decontamination at MD Anderson Cancer Center new barrier animal facility using Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor (HPV). Significant time and challenges all went into this project which will be highlighted during the presentation and will help people going forward in decontamination of their facility. In addition a short synopsis of the recent advantages in room bio-decontamination using hydrogen peroxide vapor will be covered. This will include a general background of the technology, technical developments, material compatibility, and efficacy. Rust in Your Water, or is it? Mr. Scott Holmes, Edstrom Industries, Inc. With water quality becoming an increasingly important factor in animal care and research it is important to know the true root cause of any problems that arise. Rusty water is a problem that many of us have experienced and knowing the true root cause is necessary for the proper treatment.
Look Past the Mouse; Investigating All Possibilities When Faced with a Potential Outbreak Dr. Karen A. Tatum, Baylor College of Medicine Center for Comparative Medicine An investigator conducting electrophysical measurements on fresh mouse brain tissue noticed multiple microscopic organisms floating in the recording chamber on several occasions during testing. The organisms were only seen when C57BL/6J wild type mice were tested, and only after the brain slices were placed into the recording chamber. The organisms were vermiform and approximately 2.5 to 3mm in length. The investigator assumed that the source of the organisms was the brain tissue and requested immediate health testing on his colony. The mice were housed in a conventional facility in standard microisolator caging with standard (non-autoclaved, non-irradiated) feed and bedding and acidified water. The live mice were moved to a laboratory space outside the vivarium within a few hours of euthanasia and testing. Physical examination was performed on cage mates and on other animals within the room and fecal samples, fur plucks and anal tape samples were submitted for parasitology. Necropsy of a cage mate was unremarkable both grossly and microscopically. Tissues from an affected mouse were not made available. Several samples of buffering media were submitted containing live specimens, and one vial of formalin fixed specimens. The formalin fixed specimens and digital photographs of live specimens were submitted to the Cornell Diagnostic Laboratory for identification. Floor Care Mr. Dan Riestenberg, Dur-A-Flex Presentation to include types of flooring for the industry and the good and bad things that can be done. Discussion on the types of cleaners used in the industry and how they are used and what happens when things are not used correctly. Laboratory Diet Formulation Methods – Clearing the Confusion Mr. William Clarke, Animal Specialties And Provisions, LLC All animal feed is formulated using one of only three possible methods. As in any endeavor the understanding of the basic descriptive terms form a foundation for further exploration of the subject. This presentation will review the methods and how they are used in formulating laboratory animal diets. Least cost formulas, fixed formulas and controlled nutrition formulas each impart certain characteristics to the final product and in some cases these terms do not reflect the characteristics found in the diets themselves. Understanding these methods will assist in determining the most appropriate diet choice for use in a study. Animal Technician Training for Impact Ms. Jamison L. Greaver, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Generating quality and reproducible research results is the first priority for all animal facilities. One facet of how this is achieved is exceptional animal care. However, one hurdle common to all programs is conveying to staff how critical they are for attaining this goal. Understanding not only the “how” but also the “why” of accomplishing aspects of their job should be incorporated into a training program. At UTHSC- Houston, Technician Training Classes are offered on a weekly basis. Presentations cover a variety of topics taken from AALAS Certification Manuals, The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and current in-house standard operating procedures (SOP’s). The biggest challenges are maintaining interest, stimulating interaction and overcoming language barriers. Innovative techniques have been instituted at UTHSC- Houston to address these challenges. As a result, personnel at UTHSC-Houston have taken greater personal interest in their work, have increased morale, and also have enhanced job skills and performance. The results of these efforts have been of tremendous benefit to research outcomes at our institution.
Design Features of the LSRB Animal Facility at UT Southwestern Dr. Gordon Brackee, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas has just completed design of a new mouse barrier facility to be called the “Laboratory Support Research Building”. This 68,000 sf structure will house four floors dedicated to animal holding, procedure rooms, and support areas that include cage washers, autoclaves, and vaporized hydrogen peroxide chambers. Design features will be discussed including commercial and non-commercial animal entrances, quarantine design that incorporates an autoclave and a triple-door airlock passage, redundancy of cagewash and autoclave equipment, design of animal holding rooms associated with procedure rooms, and a personnel entrance featuring mandatory use of air showers. We will also discuss the selection of cagewash and autoclave equipment based on throughput calculations, and planned use of vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization as an adjunct to autoclave sterilization. Welcome to Utah: It’s Not What You Think” Ms. Lea Bitner, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston In August of 2006, Lab Products Inc. honored me with the District VII Lab Products, Inc., Outstanding Technician Award. Along with the opportunity to attend the National AALAS meeting in Salt Lake City came a commitment to further the mission of AALAS. I hope that this presentation will encourage others to join the National Association for Laboratory Animal Science, step out of their comfort zones, open their horizons to new career possibilities, and become excited about learning. Preventing Cross Contamination of Genotyping Samples Through Effective Ms. Pamela Huskey, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Smithville This project sought to determine a reliable decontamination method for instruments used during collection of DNA- yielding materials, such as tail snips or ear punches, from multiple animals. Although infrequent, our campus genotyping service occasionally detects that as much as 45% of the samples in a group have crossover contamination. We discovered various sample collection methods were in use across laboratories and operators, so we compared the decontamination effectiveness of ten various procedures. A total of 120 tail snips were collected, using a single #15 surgical blade per group of samples collected. The blade was subjected to physical wiping (2-4 strokes) plus a series of treatments (Groups 1-5) vs. the same series of treatments (Groups 6-10) without physical wiping of the blade after cutting the tail snip. Group 1- Tail, wipe blade with paper towel Group 2- Tail, wipe blade with paper towel, hot bead (250 degrees C) Group 3- Tail, wipe blade with paper towel, dip in 70% isopropyl alcohol, hot bead Group 4- Tail, wipe blade with paper towel, dip in 10% dilution of household bleach, hot bead Multiplexed Diagnostic Testing: Ensuring the Quality of Your Diagnostic Testing Results Dr. Joe H. Simmons, Charles River Laboratories, Inc. Serodiagnostic testing forms the backbone of most laboratory animal health monitoring programs. Traditionally, these assays have been performed by the indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or by the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. While these assays work well, they are labor intensive, require a relatively large volume of serum, and extensive assay controls are infrequently performed. The Luminex Corporation has introduced a new technology, XMAP, to multiplex many assays and assay internal controls together into a single reaction, thus ensuring the suitability and quality of results for every assay that is performed. This talk will introduce the audience to XMAP technology and it will describe how Charles River Research Animal Diagnostic Services has used this technology to develop the Multiplexed Fluorometric Immunoassay (MFIA) for serodiagnostic testing of laboratory rodents and nonhuman primates.
A Business Plan for Animal Care Facilities in a Contract Research Laboratory Mr. Frank N. Ali, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institution Pharmaceutical and major manufacturing companies who have stockholders in a profit industry have a business plan on how to increase sales, production, and net return. Since animal care in research facilities are service-oriented and the end product is a healthy animal, a satisfied investigator, and a successful experiment; it is a challenge on how to develop a business plan, measure the milestones, and accomplishments or in Wall Street terms; the net gain and return on investments. In a contract research operation whether a non-profit or not for profit funds are generated for doing contract services through funded projects by clients. Invivo studies are a major part of a project and the care and welfare of the animals can be the difference between a successful project or a project which may have to repeated because there were too many variables in the study to have valid results and a reasonable conclusion Our company’s current business plan is to complete 100% of our projects on time for our clients with as few variables as possible. Over 60% of the project’s completed involve the use of animals. Therefore it is imperative that the Comparative Medicine Department, in which animal care is part of develop a business plan with measurable goals and milestone. In this abstract I will present an overview of the business plan and the importance of the animal care staff as major participants of the business plan. This business plan included job enrichment, expectations, responsibilities, accountability for the animal care staff. This business plan enhances training in areas beyond basic animal care to include technical toxicology duties and select agent studies. Animal care staff trained to provide in addition to animal care husbandry technical services has enhanced the animal care program and commitment by animal care staff. Immunopharmacotherapy Safety Testing in Laboratory Animals Dr. Paul Langner, Alamogordo Primate Center Recent adverse reactions with compounds such as TGN1412 have prompted attention to safety considerations on the part of immunologist, pharmacologists and chemists. The striking and nearly lethal effects of TGN1412 were, it is reported, due to an interspecies incompatibility (Humans and nonhuman primate used) of 38% of the amino acids in the receptor to the experimental antibody. Current investigations are under consideration for using phylogenetically higher species prior to clinical trials of such immunoreactive compounds. One of these is an anti-ghrelin vaccine aimed regulates energy balance and is aimed at preventing obesity, now a world-wide epidemic. The initial work with this in rats will be reviewed and additional studies prior to the use on non-human primates will be discussed, with emphasis on considerations of safety beginning at the level of molecular structure. All animals described are maintained in AAALAC-I accredited facilities Outsourcing Branch Management – Is this the best way? Mr. Brian Gillman, Pharmacal Research Labs, Inc./Texas Branch AALAS Those of us in Branch Management are seeking new and better ways of managing Branch operations. With all of us busier that ever, and as Branches continue to grow in size and sophistication, we need better methods of achieving Branch goals. Last year, Texas Branch contracted with a professional meeting planner to assist with all the issues of running an annual meeting. This year, TBAALAS outsourced management of the TBAALAS
POSTER ABSTRACTS Managing Stereotypic Behavior Through Social and Environmental Changes for A Male Chimpanzee Ms. D. Hernandez, Alamogordo Primate Center Social and environmental conditions are an important aspect of a captive chimpanzee’s psychological well-being. At the Alamogordo Primate Facility, a non-research facility, we strive to provide the best possible living conditions for out colony of 228 chimpanzees. Sometimes this involves moving an animal from one social situation to another or from changing their housing conditions. Merle, a 24 year old male chimpanzee, has been one of our most challenging cases. He exhibits noticeable stereotypic behaviors, and some mildly self-injurious behavior. He also has limited chimpanzee social skills and has almost never been seen interacting with his chimpanzee cage mates. Merle was nursery-reared and is reported as being a normal chimpanzee baby. He was sent to another facility for a study at one year of age and was returned four years later. Other animals in that study appeared normal behaviorally, but Merle’s stereotypic behaviors were noticed shortly after his return to our colony. We have tried different housing situations in our efforts to reduce or eliminate his stereotypic behavior. Our on-going efforts focus on finding a compatible female as a social partner for Merle, in order to provide him the opportunity for normal species- appropriate behaviors. Progression of Loss of Glucose Tolerance in Female NOD Mice Mr. Dewan Haque, Genzyme NOD mice have been used as the major model for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) research since the discovery of their natural development of T1DM. As more becomes known about T1DM in humans, the fasting blood glucose level that represents a healthy individual continues to drop. T1DM is known to progress more rapidly and completely in female NOD mice than in their male counterparts therefore they were utilized in this study. We evaluated this diabetic threshold in female NOD mice by monitoring a cohort from 10 weeks of age till loss of glucose tolerance (GTT). Each mouse was monitored weekly for non-fasted blood glucose, 12 hr fasted blood glucose and then corresponding GTT profile. Fasting blood glucose was not a predictive indicator of GTT and the non-fasted blood glucose that corresponded with a decrease in GTT was surprising lower than the levels we expected. Cryopreservation as a tool for optimizing animal use in transgenic facilities Dr. Jan Parker-Thornburg, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston The production of genetically engineered mice is a complex process, requiring careful timing of hormone administration, growth of embryonic stem cells (for generating chimeras), fertile stud males and availability of pseudopregnant females at the correct gestational stage. Rarely are optimal conditions achieved for each of these steps, generally resulting in less than ideal final results. We have streamlined two of the most difficult of these steps using cryopreservation. We were able to demonstrate that morulae that are cryopreserved and subsequently thawed and cultured to blastocyst stage are suitable hosts for embryonic stem cell injections. This alleviates the commonplace problem of not having sufficient numbers of blastocysts for injection. In addition, we are beginning to utilize vitrification as a procedure to preserve fertilized, one-cell embryos, and have shown that they will survive to birth. The implications of this latter experiment are that embryos from rarely used strains for injection can be obtained over a period of several months in large numbers for use at any subsequent timepoint. Additional uses for cryopreservation include freezing embryos for later implantation when insufficient numbers of females are available for implant as well as freezing embryos for shipping to offsite facilities.
The Impact of an Animal Care Technician on Scientific Studies Ms. J.L. Sharp, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute Our presentation evaluates the synchrony of departments required for studies using knockout mice in a whole body cigarette smoke exposure. The study must be orchestrated from breeding commencement to animal exposure. The study is initiated when selected knockout mice are set up as trios (2 females, 1 male) and ear tagged for identification. Large breeder cages are used to provide adequate room for multiple litters. After the litters are weaned, we ear tag the offspring and take tail samples for genotyping. The selected genotyped animals are transferred to aerosol chambers used to conduct whole body exposures. In this study multiple chambers are used to expose the mice to side stream smoke and ovalbumin. The study mice are first acclimated in a control chamber then moved into the appropriate exposure chamber. Maps are created for each chamber to track and identify each mouse by location. After exposures are completed the mice are removed for tissue harvest and analyses. Without careful attention to the details of breeding and the movement and identification of the mice for each study group, the study could not be successfully completed. When technicians works together towards one combined effort, PI’s have there reliable information they need for critical study results. “Swiss Roll”- It’s Not for Breakfast Ms. Karin Bailey, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston This poster will present the importance of the “Swiss Roll” technique in identifying the presence of pinworms in the cecum and colon of laboratory rodents. The methods of collecting the colon and cecum during a necropsy to make a “Swiss Roll” will be discussed. Both species of pinworms that affect laboratory mice, Aspiculuris tetraptera and Syphacia obvelata, can be detected with this non- survival technique. At MD Anderson, we perform this technique on our sentinel mice to insure accurate pinworm diagnosis. The Ultimate Pooper Scooper Ms. Kimberly Bonnet, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston This poster will focus on the techniques involved in collecting fecal samples in laboratory mice and the importance of quantity and freshness of the sample. This form of collection is a survival method used to view the Aspiculuris tetraptera species of pinworm in a fecal smear. The methods of collecting fecal samples will be displayed and the results of an adequate and inadequate sample collection will be described. This type of collection is performed at MD Anderson to quickly and accurately diagnose pinworms in sentinel and colony mice. Chimpanzees Gone Wild Over Enrichment! Ms. Teresa Flores, Alamogordo Primate Center Chimpanzees are highly intelligent animals who become easily bored with the same routine enrichment. It is very important to continually stimulate the animals by changing the type and form of enrichment thus helping the animals to stay healthy and happy. Enrichment can benefit animals in many ways such as: Can be used in form of positive reinforcement which helps the animal cooperate more with training, presenting for injections or other procedures. Can help an animal with abnormal behavior to concentrate on the enrichment rather than the behavior. Can assist a geriatric animal who is reluctant to move around because of health issues such as obesity, or cardiac disease. Reduces aggressive behavior which helps with less fights or injuries in a group. It is just simply pleasing and fulfilling. Enrichment does not only enrich animals, it can help enrich the people working around them. Chimpanzees tend to get very excited and do funny things when receiving enrichment, which can lead to a good laugh and a good day for the technician.
Streamlining International Rodent Shipments Mr. Mansa Melvin, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas The objective of this poster is to inform personnel of the regulations and documentation needed to organize an international shipment of research rodents. This will mainstream the shipping Process and expedite international transports, better serving Principle Investigators (PI’s) and their research. The Following key factors are important in organizing an import/export: Assign a tracking number to help with organization and communication between the PI, shipping coordinators and veterinary staff. Create documents such as a health letter, a commercial invoice, and USDA form, if needed, to submit to the courier company. Double-check information you are providing, since some countries are strict with their paperwork and will reject shipment if incorrect. Four major documents needed to ship rodents overseas are USDA form #17-140, Materials Transfer Agreement (MTA), Commercial Invoice and a Health Letter. The USDA also requires a $24 check for the USDA/APHIS VS (veterinary service) certificate. Additionally, country “specific” requirements will be discussed. Organize the shipment, keeping in mind expiration dates on health certificates, needs of PIs and age of rodents. By following these guidelines, arranging a shipment can be streamlined to meet the needs for all involved. Improving The Health Care of Chimpanzees: The Technicians Role Mr. P. Barajas, Alamogordo Primate Center Because Chimpanzees have a 98.4 percent DNA homology with humans, they have been used for important research models such as Human Immuno Deficiency Virus and Hepatitis viruses. Research veterans are not euthanized for ethical reasons, but require health care and monitoring due to the infectious status. We have a moral obligation to provide the best health care possible. Animal technicians play a critical role in animals care, daily observations, assisting with clinical procedures and administering medications. Chimpanzees are very intelligent, can weigh up to 90.0 kilograms and can be hazardous to work with. With improved health care, we can enhance the chimpanzee’s quality of life and care for them in a responsible and humane manner. My Trip To The National AALAS Meeting As Lab Products’ Technician of the Year 2005 For District 7. Ms. Deborah Minor, Pennington Biomedical Research Center Lab Products Technician of the year award is an excellent way for technicians to experience the National AALAS meeting arena. Through this endowment one person from each district including Canada receive travel, lodging, and a perdiem for technicians who have never attended a National meeting. This presentation is from the District 7 2005 recipient of this award. The events, opportunities, and the total experience will be shared with fellow technicians. Cost Efficient Humidity Monitoring: Is Your Facility Really at 55% RELATIVE HUMIDITY?? Ms. Cindy Kloster, Pennington Biomedical Research Center What is a facility manager to do when humidity is out of control…or is it really out of control and how can we answer this question? The Guide to the Care and Use of Laboratory Animal recommends that animal room relative humidity “should generally be maintained between 30-70%” with 10-15 fresh air changes per hour. These factors combine to create a daunting engineering task to maintain this standard in south Louisiana where outdoor relative humidity regularly fluctuates between 70% and ≥ 90%. In an aging animal facility without a modern, computer- assisted environmental monitoring/control system managers must devise a consistent and efficient mechanism for monitoring relative humidity. Facility managers must validate both the extent and frequency unacceptable relative humidity levels in animal rooms. This presentation will describe one facility’s approach using portable humidity recording devices and a central environmental control system to document animal room relative humidity
fluctuations, relate those to outdoor relative humidity fluctuations, and in collaboration with facilities management begin to address this common animal facility problem. Training Non-human Primates to Jump from Cage to Cage Mr. Frankie Anders, Tulane National Primate Research Center This poster will explain how we train non-human primates to jump from cage to cage instead of anesthetizing them to change out the room. The process depends on the ability of the trainer and willingness of the non-human primate to cooperate. It depends on the non-human primate to determine how long the process will take place. Some non-human primates take longer than others and some do not jump. Post-surgical Recovery of Non-human Primates at the Tulane National Primate Research Center Mr. Reafa Bickham, Tulane National Primate Research Center This poster will explain how we recover non-human primates from surgery at Tulane National Primate Research Center. When the non-human primate returns back to the building the animal care technician puts the non- human primate in a holding place to be monitored. They write down the time when the non-human primate recovers, including removing the endotracheal tube and when the animal is sitting up. Environmental Enrichment in a Minipig Production Facility Ms. Debra Phillips, Marshall BioResources Environmental enrichment promotes the physical and psychological well being of laboratory swine and can be provided by a variety of enrichment devices and socialization. In a natural environment pigs spend most of their time foraging and eating. They root an average of 60 times over a 24 hour period. Effective enrichment devices for Gottingen Minipigs stimulate the species’ natural instinctive behaviors of rooting and chewing. Durable and safe enrichment toys include manipulative devices such as suspended stainless steel chains, hard plastic balls, and plastic jugs. Species-adequate housing and handling is not only a safeguard for the well-being of the animals but also a prerequisite for sound scientific research. In a natural environment, swine live in maternal groups’ of 3 to 5 sows with some juveniles. Gottingen Minipigs should be housed in groups when possible to account for their strong social disposition. Gottingin Minipig sows are provided with large farrowing pens to allow them sufficient space to nurse, walk, and stretch. No additional physical restriction is made for farrowing and floor mats are provided for increased comfort. All pens are provided with radiant heated floors and heat lamps for the piglets. Music is played in animal rooms to provide auditory enrichment. Gottingen Minipigs enjoy regular positive human contact in their home pens. New Information on the Colonization and Transmission of Bordetella bronchiseptica in Rabbits Dr. Stacy Pritt, Covance Research Products Bordetella bronchiseptica can be a common inhabitant of the respiratory tract of laboratory rabbits. While the organism can rarely be associated with respiratory disease in rabbits, the vast majority of laboratory rabbits display no clinical signs when colonized by the bacterium. This presentation will focus on new information related to colonization and transmission of B. bronchiseptica in rabbits. Improving Methods of Oral Nicotine Self-Administration Mr. A. P. McMickle, Arkansas State University Investigations of voluntary oral nicotine self-administration in rodents has relied heavily on a standard 2-bottle choice procedure wherein subjects are given free access to 2 bottles, one containing water and one containing a
nicotine solution. This method has proven a useful model in mice showing they consume significant amounts of nicotine solution and demonstrate a clear preference for it suggesting the development of preference and dependency. This method, however, has been less fruitful for studying rats. Although there is evidence that rats will self-administer nicotine, there are concerns over rats’ general tendencies to (1) fail to develop a preference for a nicotine solution over water; (2) avoid concentrations that mice readily consume. Both of these findings lead to serious concerns over limits on nicotine bioavailability and impact due to rat’s inadequate levels of nicotine. However, the advantages inherent in the oral model make salvaging its use with rats a worthwhile endeavor. Recent data from our lab indicate that the limited intake problem with a 2-bottle procedure can be bypassed using a multiple bottle approach. Further, the multiple bottle method has also allowed us to demonstrate a willingness to drink higher concentrations than rats will drink in the 2 bottle procedure. A Modification to a Common BAL Technique to Enhance Sample Diagnostic Value. Ms. Elizabeth Scanlon, Tulane National Primate Research Center Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a diagnostic tool frequently used for clinical and research purposes in non-human primates. Although many institutions use this procedure, the technique is not standardized. The purpose of this study was to compare the most commonly used instillation/aspiration technique at the TNPRC with a new experimental technique to see if it would increase the diagnostic value of the BAL samples. The standard method used at the TNPRC is to attach a syringe directly to the working channel of the bronchoscope. The experimental method involved attaching intravenous tubing between the syringe and the working channel of the bronchoscope. This presentation will describe any notable differences between the two techniques. Tips, Suggestions & Communication Issues for Importing and Exporting Rodents Mr. Gary J. Barron, Washington University School of Medicine Here at Washington University School of Medicine, the program for overseeing the transportation of unique and transgenic and knockout strains of rodents has increased significantly in scope and volume during the last 5 years. We have assigned a permanent coordinator for this program, whose main function is to ensure all of the shipments run smoothly and fulfill all regulations. This presentation discusses all of the forms, documents, and types of communication needed to run this complex. Undergraduate Opportunities in Animal Care and Research at Arkansas State University Ms. C.J. Sockey, Arkansas State University As an undergraduate in the ASU animal care facility, I have learned a unique set of skills and have gained valuable insight into the world of scientific research. While working on my bachelor’s degree in Mid-level Education at Arkansas State University, I began working part-time as an animal technician in the animal care facility. This facility is located in the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, which (according to the brochure) is “an agricultural and medical research consortium dedicated to improving the health of Arkansans”. Although I was vaguely aware that scientific research was the focus here and that some of that work involved animals, I had no ideal that I could play an important role in assisting in that research or that I would enjoy it so much. I am impressed not only by the caliber of work that is being done, but also by the opportunities which it presents for ASU students. To my surprise, a large number of the student researchers are not graduate students, but undergraduates like me. In this poster I would like to highlight the animal husbandry I do that supports this research, as well as some of the projects in which the undergraduate students are involved.
for TBAALAS members!
There are plenty more free accounts available, so sign up today!
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are waiting for YOU!! To request a username and password to get started with your account, e-mail Kelly Campbell, ALL Coordinator:
[email protected]
Once enrolled, you will be prompted to customize your username, password, and personal profile. Questions may be answered in the FAQ section of the library, or e-mail Kelly.
The Consolidation of ResearchTraining.org into the AALAS Learning Library Dr. Stacy Pritt, Covance Research Products Building on its five year history of collaboration, the Veterans Administration's training website ResearchTraining.org will be consolidated with the AALAS Learning Library starting May 1. This will provide ResearchTraining.org users with many advantages including access to dozens of online training modules and exceptional customer support. This poster will provide an overview of the consolidation process, timetable for major benchmarks, advantages and changes for current ResearchTraining.org users, course topics, and user fees. The Use of LabGel-PE™ as a Delivery Medium for Medication in Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) Ms. Theresa Flores, Alamogordo Primate Facility Administering medication to captive chimpanzees can be a difficult and challenging process. The preferred route of delivery is oral. However, due to the intelligence and curiosity of these animals, masking the taste of certain medicines can cause difficulties. LabGel-PE™ (primate enrichment) can provide a quick and useful medium to deliver medications to great apes and non-human primates. Enrofloxacin (Baytril®) 34mg was combined with LabGel- PE™ and administered to 41 chimpanzees (24 males and 17 females) at three different time periods. Enrofloxicin was used because the taste and smell of the drug has been the primary deterrents in dosing chimpanzees with the antibiotic. Preliminary results show that LabGel-PE™ can be an effective delivery medium for certain chimpanzees that will not take oral medications in fruits or juice. Additionally, a sugar-free version of LabGel-PE™ may be used as enrichment or a novel way to administer medicine to Type II diabetic primates.
WORKSHOP Congratulations – You are Now a Manager! Dr. Ann Turner American Association for Laboratory Animal Science This workshop combines a sprinkling of management theory with a smidgen of management practice and a whole lot of experiential learning. Topics to be discussed include everything from “Why Would Anyone Want to Be a Manager?” to “Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals” with a lot of ifs, ands, and buts in between. We will explore employee recruitment, hiring and firing, absenteeism, motivation, goal setting and evaluation, dealing with sensitive issues (like BO), harassment, teamwork – just about everything except legal issues – you need a lawyer for that. There will be some lecture, a few real life decision making exercises, take home handouts, many questions; and, hopefully, solid answers about the day to day events in the life of one who manages people. I can’t promise you will be a better manager after this workshop; however, I’m pretty sure you will not fall asleep!
WET LAB Parasites: The Long and Short of It Dr. Mark J. McArthur Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research This workshop will be designed to familiarize technicians with potential parasites of animals under their care. Gross specimens will be provided along with glass slides of parasites in tissue sections. There will be a discussion of parasite life cycles, intermediate hosts, and the potential interference of parasites with research.
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION Issues in Transgenic Rodent Production Ms. Traci Reddick & Ms. Kim Hildreth University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio This round-table will be to discuss current methods, problems and solutions of transgenic rodent production. Topics to include pro-nuclear injection, lentiviral infection, embryonic stem cell injection, colony maintenance and management, and crypreservation. It will also be used to help develop a network of District 7 facilities involved in the production, care and maintenance of transgenic rodents.
Alternative Design Mfg. Ancare
Animal Care Systems Animal Lab News
Animal Specialties And Provisions Art's-Way Scientific, Inc.
BH Biomedical Solutions, Inc. Biomedical Solutions, Inc.
Cedar Creek AME, Inc. Charles River Laboratories
Charm Sciences Clordisys Solutions Inc
Colonial Medical Supply Covance Research Products Data Sciences International
Dur-A-Flex Inc Edstrom Industries, Inc
E-Z Systems / Euthanex Corp. Getinge USA
Girton Manufacturing Co Harlan
Innovive, Inc. InterMetro Industries
LATA
LGL Animal Care Products, Inc. Life Science Products, Inc Lynx Product Group, LLC
Matrix Scientific, LLC MedWaste Solutions
NTM, Inc. P.J. Murphy Forest Products
Perkins+Will Pharmacal Research Labs Inc.
Primate Products, Inc. Protech International, Inc.
Purina LabDiet Quip Laboratories, Inc.
RADIL (Research Animal Diagnostic Lab) Rees Scientific Corp Research Diets, Inc.
Rules-Based Medicine Scimetrics, Inc.
Superior Laboratory Services Taconic
Tecniplast The Jackson Laboratory
VWR International Wheaton Science Products
World Courier, Inc.
May 9-11, 2006
Title Presenter Time

american association for laboratory animal science

Documents