3.4.1.6 Sanitation procedure

​​​​​​​​A. Background & Definitions

Research animals are expected to be housed in a clean environment, both at enclosure and room levels. The frequency of sanitation and agents used may impact animal physiology and behavior. Sanitation schemes may vary depending on the species, type of enclosure, number and size of animals, type of bedding, etc. As many different sanitation schemes may be appropriate, a performance based approach based on periodically monitoring the effectiveness of the sanitation is important. ​

​B. Guidance & Expectations

The following topics should be defined and documented:

• Frequency of change of microenvironment items: cage, lid, water bottle, etc.
• Frequency of sanitation of macroenvironment: room level
• Agents used
• Monitoring effectiveness of sanitation of caging/enclosures​

​PLEASE DO N​OT FORGET

• To maintain a consistent and regular sanitation scheme during the study
• To evaluate potential interferences between sanitation timing, frequency and agents used with the study​

C. Resources

Template to describe information related to animal care and use (all items covered by Section 3.4.1) - 3.4.1 Animal care and use.docx​

ARRIVE guidelines 2019 for reporting animal research - ARRIVE 2.0​​

Online and other available guidance:

• ​Chapter 3 of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NRC 2011.[1]
• Appendix A of European Convention ETS 123. [2]

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