FAQs about Research Animals During the COVID-19 Pandemic

At this time, all animal facilities and RARC veterinary care are fully staffed and performing animal care as usual with social distancing measures in place.

Animal Usage

Q: May I continue to use research animals?
A: YES - if your lab has permission through the Research Reboot process to resume research.

Animal Care

Q: Will my research animals in the facility receive food, water and veterinary care?
A: All animal care technicians and veterinary staff are considered “essential personnel” and are currently providing animal care and husbandry as usual, with social distancing restrictions in place.

Q: How do I mark my high-priority mouse/rat cages in the animal facility?
A: Your facility manager can provide you with cage cards to mark high-priority animals, if you would like to do so.

Q: Can I set up breeding cages for my animals?
A: Yes, breeding is allowed at this time.

Q: Can I transfer my animals to or from another animal facility on campus?
A: Yes. Please complete the animal transfer form and email it to your RARC Veterinarian and transfers@ahw.wisc.edu.

Q: Do animal facilities have enough PPE?
A: Check with your facility manager to see if there is enough PPE. To conserve PPE, please limit entry to animal facilities and complete tasks with the fewest number of people required.

Animal Training

Q: How can I get hands-on animal training?
A: Please contact the RARC trainers: trainer@rarc.wisc.edu if your research is restarting and you will need to work with animals within a month.

Q: Will I need to complete hands-on training within 30 days of being added to a protocol?
A: The complete-by date for hands-on training has been extended. However, if you will be working with your animals within a month, please contact the RARC trainers: trainer@rarc.wisc.edu to schedule a one-on-one training session.