Navigator Newsletter-December 2023

Check Water and Food Levels

With the winter 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 so that no animals go thirsty or hungry.

Check out the lesson: Check Water and Food.

AAALAC 2023 Site Visit

We are pleased to announce that the UW has received continued full accreditation from AAALAC International. This status is contingent on implementation of measures to minimize the possible use of expired anesthetics, analgesics, and euthanasia drugs.

The accreditation letter (PDF) commended the University for maintaining a high-quality animal care program and recognized members from across our community – our knowledgeable and hardworking animal care staff, a committed IACUC with well-trained members, an excellent training program, and an impressive non-human primate program. They also highlighted the collaborative and collegial culture within our program.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone that supported the site visit in mid-June and for your continued partnership in supporting our animal care program!

IACUC Policy: Rodent Survival Surgery

The IACUC has approved a more comprehensive policy regarding rodent survival surgery.

The new policy includes pre-operative planning, analgesic considerations, monitoring requirements, and documentation expectations.

If your lab performs any survival surgeries on rodents, make sure you are up to date on the current expectations!

Never Assume a Cage is Empty

Don’t be the one with animals found in the cage wash.

After you believe you have removed all animals from the cage, always double-check the cage before placing it in the dirty cage rack.

Mice often hide in the bedding, especially if they are pups. Make it a habit to check the cages every time by raking your gloved hand through the bedding and nestlet.

Introducing Mackenzie

Hello everyone, my name is Mackenzie. I am the incoming Grant and Administrative Specialist for the Office of Animal Welfare. I will be handling the general inquiries OAW receives by phone and email. So, if you have a question, I will be here to make sure it gets to the right place! I will also be acting as a liaison regarding grant issues between OAW, OSP, and UW researchers and administrations.

I come from a background in Wildlife Biology, including being a UW – SEFS alumni. Coming in straight off a project in Yosemite National Park about bioacoustics monitoring of endangered birds. I’ve been a technician on many a project and know what it’s like to be on the front line of data collection, even if your subject doesn’t want to be observed.

Introducing Jasmine

Greetings everyone! This is Jasmine and I am the Technology Operation Specialist for the Office of Animal Welfare. I will be the subject matter expert and product manager for the Hoverboard system.

My background is in Management Information System, and I am excited to utilize my skills and knowledge. I am looking forward to working with you all.