Navigator Newsletter-December 2021

USDA Annual Reviews Update

USDA annual reviews will not be required after December 27, 2021.

Check Water and Food Levels

With the holiday season here, many people are taking long weekends.

Don’t let the water or food get lower than 1/3 in the cage.

It is important to check the water and food levels in cages to ensure there is enough in the cage that no animals go thirsty or hungry.

Check out the lesson: Check Water and Food.

Weaning and Sexing

‘Mice and rats should be weaned at 21 days of age. Otherwise, it is an overcrowded cage. With the holidays it is important to keep track of what is happening in your breeding cages.

If 48 hours passes after an “Overcrowded Cage Card” is placed, then husbandry staff will separate, and your team will get charged.

Check out the lesson: Weaning and Sexing Rodents.

Refined Methods of Handling Mice: Why & How to Make the Switch

If you missed the webinar on November 18th, or if you want to re-watch it, we got you covered.

We have the webinar recording available for you. We edited the video into three parts so you can jump to the desired section or view the parts at different times.

Environmental Health & Safety

The UW Biosafety Manual has recently been updated based on guidance from the CDC. This link lists the major changes that you should be aware of.

This manual is available as a convenient PDF for easy downloading and reading.