In response to the questions posed in this scenario, the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Care (USDA/APHIS/AC) and the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) offer the following clarification and guidance:

Although this scenario involves rodents, which are not USDA-covered species, it is important to consider how the USDA/APHIS/AC requirements would apply to a similar scenario involving USDA-covered species.

Section 2.33(b) of the Code of Federal Regulations on Attending Veterinarian and Veterinary Care1 states, “Each research facility shall establish and maintain programs of adequate veterinary care that include...the use of appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose and treat diseases and injuries, and the availability of emergency, weekend and holiday care” and states that “a mechanism of direct and frequent communication is required so that timely and accurate information on problems of animal health, behavior, and well-being is conveyed to the attending veterinarian.”

In addition, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals requires that animals are cared for by qualified personnel every day and that emergency veterinary care is available and provided2.

The research facility should have a mechanism in place for veterinary contact and care on weekends and holidays or in the event of an emergency. This information should be clearly conveyed to facility personnel and investigators to ensure that they are familiar with the appropriate personnel and procedures for handling veterinary emergencies.

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