The IACUC has recently updated its guidance regarding the use of sentinel animals in rodent housing areas to assure that the colony remains free of specific pathogens.
UMBC's Attending Veterinarian manages the university-wide rodent sentinel and quarantine program, and consults with all research faculty members prior to IACUC review and approval of their proposed use of animals. Investigators and facility staff should remain in contact with the veterinarian to ensure animals in facilities are tested on a regular basis. Also, the use of the sentinel program will be documented in the current version of the IACUC protocol application submission.
For more information, click on http://research.umbc.edu/special-topics-of-concern-to-the-iacuc/#pathofree or contact Dr. Turhan Coksaygan (TCoksaygan@vetmed.umaryland.edu / (607) 222-2954) or the ORPC at compliance@umbc.edu.