Changes to the IACUC s Environmental Enrichment Policy Addition of the IACUC s Social Housing Policy

Changes to the IACUC s Environmental Enrichment Policy Addition of the IACUC s Social Housing Policy

What is enrichment, why it is important? Why the revision? The Guide. Revision to the IACUC enrichment policy. Addition of the IACUC social housing policy. Environmental Enrichment Committee

Standardize animal colony management, facility design, animal care For benefit of animals and standardization of conditions to improve reproducibility of research ILAR Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources NIH and ILAR developed the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Standard Housing may lack items that would enrich an animal s life.

Not cute and fluffy entertainment Enrichment implies something extra, but in fact, it allows animals to act out normal behaviors. Without it, animals can become stressed, develop maladaptive/ stereotypical behaviors, leading to other http://mouse stereotypic behavior health issues.

Formal definition, two parts to enrichment: Environmental- primary aim is to enhance animal wellbeing by providing animals with sensory and motor stimulation, through structures and resources that facilitate the expression of species-typical behaviors and promote psychological well-being through physical exercise, manipulative activities, and cognitive challenges according to species-specific characteristics (NRC 1998; Young 2003). Social- Appropriate social interactions among conspecifics are essential to normal development and well being (Bayne et al. 1995, Hall 1998, Novak et al. 2006).

Promote psychological well-being by providing opportunities for expression of species-specific behavior. Reduce anxiety and stress. Improving animal well-being can minimize variations that can affect research results.

The new Guide For The Care And Use of Laboratory Animals, 8 th Edition has been published (2011) and dictates some changes in environmental enrichment. The Guide has placed emphasis on single housed social species being the exception and it must be justified. Also, additional steps must be taken for singly housed social animals. UNC has always considered enrichment important, however we are striving to improve and formalize our environmental and social enrichment program.

Any research program that is mandated to follow recommendations from the Guide must integrate environmental enrichment into the daily care and husbandry SOPs. Enrichment should be given the same significance as other components of animal care, such as veterinary care, and it should not be considered an extra duty that can be neglected on a busy day. Development of enrichment-related SOPs should be initiated. Increased social housing and socialization requirements Single housing of social species should be the exception and justified based on experimental requirements or veterinary-related concerns about animal well-being. Increased staff involvement: training, behavior, and enrichment.

Mice All mice must be provided with some kind of EE. Default method: PVC pipe (can have nestlets, seeds, etc.) PVC will slowly be replaced by houses Breeding cages: must have some form of nesting material Nude mice: must have nesting material or PVC pipe. All of these are musts, unless there is an IACUC approved exception. If an alternative enrichment item is preferred, please coordinate with DLAM (no exception necessary).

Other Species: Rats- receive crinkle paper by default. NHPs- variety of toys, puzzles, television, nutritional enhancement (fruits and veggies) on a rotational basis. Ferrets, GPs, gerbils, hamsters- at least one of the following: Food treats/timothy hay, bells, balls, hide boxes, or chew toys. Rabbits- Fresh fruit and vegetables, timothy hay, and toys. If food enrichment is unacceptable, an exception is required. Dogs and pigs- balls, mirrors, chains, food treats, and/or chew items. Aquatic- provided with enrichment according to their specific needs. For instances where enrichment items may be inappropriate for scientific goals, an IACUC protocol exception must be written and approved.

Every attempt will be made to choose items that are durable, sanitizable, and safe. If necessary, pilot studies will be conducted when introducing new enrichment items to ensure they have the desired effect and do not effect research results. Investigators will be consulted with before introducing new enrichment ideas (we want to work together!)

Guide dictates Social animals should be housed in stable pairs or groups of compatible individuals. Social housing of all social research animal species is the default at UNC. Single housing of social species (other than short term recovery - purple card) must be justified based on experimental requirements and requires an IACUC protocol exception. (Breeding programs, studies with single animals left as study points reached, death of mate)

Individual housing required for veterinary concerns, Vet Care card and does not require an exception. Social housing of incompatible animals can induce aggression, chronic stress, injury and even death. Incompatibility within social groups is grounds for immediate separation for protection of animals. Person separating the cage must identify the single housed cage (how to do this is currently in development)

When deemed necessary, single housing of social animals should be limited to the minimum period necessary, and where possible: visual, auditory, olfactory, and depending on the species, tactile contact with conspecifics. In the absence of other animals in the same enclosure, additional enrichment should be offered, such as: Supplemental enrichment items Positive interaction with animal care staff Periodic release into larger enclosures And/or the addition of a companion animal in the room or housing area.

Environmental Enrichment is default and a Protocol Exception is required if it must not be used. Environmental Enrichment program is being expanded to include more alternatives. Pair or group housing of social species is the default and a Protocol Exception is required if it must not be used --- with certain exceptions---

Objectives: Oversee development, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive enrichment program at UNC. Explore new enrichment strategies, assess feasibility, and develop prototypes. Utilize employees at all levels please join us! Assure that personnel working with the animals understand the natural behavior of each species. Let us know of your concerns!! Contacts: Amy Davidson, Judith Nielsen, Emily Hearne