Navigator Navigator-June 2022

Contingency Planning

What would you do in an emergency to keep you and your animals safe from harm?

Researchers who use animals in locations outside of a vivarium must have a contingency plan (aka disaster plan) in place. This plan should define the actions to be taken in an emergency to not only keep personnel safe, but also to minimize the potential for animal pain and distress.

Contingency plans that involve USDA-regulated species have additional requirements related to review, training, and documentation.

Contingency plans should be readily available upon request at IACUC site visits and other regulatory inspections.

For more information about contingency plan requirements, contact oawrss@uw.edu or your OAW liaison.

Monkeypox

As Monkeypox cases make the news in multiple states, make sure to check the facts!
Some animal rights groups have claimed this disease originated from laboratory monkeys – an accusation for which there is no basis.

If you have questions about the disease, clinical signs, transmission, or how animals may be involved, here are some good sources of information you can use!

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Monkeypox Information

Q&A: What you need to know about monkeypox | UCLA

Backpacks in Lockers

Researchers are bringing backpacks through DCM facility hallways to behavior study rooms.

These bags must be placed into facility provided plastic bags at the facility entrances. This ensures that fomites will not float off the bags and be tracked into animal housing and procedure rooms.

For more information, contact your DCM Facility Supervisor.

Badging into Facilities

Holding doors open for others is polite, but it can cause problems.

All individuals entering animal facilities must use their badge to scan into animal facilities, even if individuals are with people they know.

If you are uncomfortable telling an individual waiting at the door that they need to badge in, step away and return in a few minutes. If the individual is still there, contact building supervisors or University Police.

Summer Vacations and Cage Cards

Are you getting ready for that well-deserved vacation?

Make sure that each of your cage cards has been updated with a contact name and phone number for a person who will serve as an emergency contact that can be reached by DCM and Vet Services.