Guideline #28
Daily Observations

1. References:

1.1. Animal Welfare Act , (9 C.F.R. §§ 2.33(b)(3), 2.40(b)(3))

1.2. Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching , 4th Edition, 2020, pp.22.

1.3. ILAR Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals , 8th Edition, 2011, pp. 15, 16, 74, 112.

2. Purpose: To provide guidance with regards to daily animal observations.

3. Policy:

3.1. Daily observations of animals must be provided by trained personnel, and observations must be documented:

3.1.1. Regulations and standards for animal care require that daily observations be made of all animals to assess their health and well-being.

3.1.2. Daily observation of all animals is part of good husbandry practices and it is extremely important for detecting possible problems, including disease and abnormal behavior. These observations should be performed by trained animal care personnel. Exceptions should be defined and justified in the protocol and approved by the IACUC.

3.1.2.1. Early detection and treatment improves animal outcomes and can save time and money.

3.2. Daily Observations

3.2.1. Regardless of the light cycle, at least one daily animal health monitoring check is to be done during the light phase of the light/dark cycle.

3.2.2. Carefully observe each animal from head to tail, including each part of its body and behavior, for abnormalities that may indicate a potential problem.

3.2.2.1. Assess how the animal looks and if there are any abnormalities. If it is safe and appropriate to do so, handling the animals allows the use of touch as an observational tool, as well as promoting social interaction and neurological well-being.

3.2.3. Look at the feces, and discharge from the animal if there is any, for signs of abnormalities.

3.2.4. Assess food and water availability to recognize the absence of or decrease of food/water provided.

3.3. Assess the animal’s environment to ensure it is safe and that the environmental controls (temperature, humidity, shelter from elements, etc) are adequate for the species and the season. For agricultural animals used in agricultural research and teaching housed in pasture or other extensive conditions, animal observations should be frequent enough to detect illness or injury in a timely fashion, recognize the need for emergency action, and ensure adequate availability of feed and water.

 

LAST REVIEWED AND ADOPTED BY THE IACUC: March 17, 2022