University of Wisconsin-Madison

Research Animal Resources Center

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Statement regarding the Housing of Social Rodents at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine

Purpose: To establish a standard operating procedure regarding the housing of social rodents (Mus and Rattus) at UW-SVM facilities, with a focus on social needs.

Background: Per “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” (1996, National Research Council):

1. Mus and Rattus species (and other social rodent species as determined by laboratory animal veterinarians) should be housed with a goal of maximizing species-specific behaviors and minimizing stress-induced behaviors.
2. Whenever it is appropriate, these social animals should be housed in pairs or groups, rather than individually, provided that such housing is not contraindicated by the protocol in question and does not pose an undue risk to the animals (see Table 2.1, pg 27 of the Guide) or other concerns considered standard practice and specified by the laboratory animal veterinarian.
3. Consideration should be given to an animal’s social needs. The social environment usually involves physical contact and communication among members of the same species (conspecifics), although it can include noncontact communication among individuals through visual, auditory, and olfactory signals.

With both the spirit and letter of the Guide in mind, the following SOP will be followed:

• All social rodents (Mus and Rattus, and others as determined by the RARC Attending Veterinarian) at SVM Facilities (including, but not limited to, Charmany, SVM housing, AHABS), will be group housed per the Guide.
• Mice or rats that are singly housed will need documentation, and appropriate labeling, that
  1. A scientific justification for single housing is included in an SVM ACUC-approved protocol, or
  2. Approval was obtained from a laboratory animal veterinarian authorizing single-housing due to medical concerns (including, but not limited to, aggression/fighting). Such medical approval will be reviewed on a regular basis to ascertain that the single housing continues to be medically warranted.
• All singly-housed animals (including pregnant females) will have appropriate (i.e. approved by the Attending Veterinarian) enrichment provided, unless a scientific justification is documented in a SVM ACUC-approved protocol, or a medical waiver is provided by a laboratory animal veterinarian.