SIMONSEN LABORATORIES, INC – HEALTH MONITORING PROGRAM
1180 Day Road Ste C, Gilroy CA   95020
Phone (408) 847-2002  Fax (408) 847-4176  E-Mail:  

GENERAL COMMENTS

All diagnostic testing is performed by Simonsen Laboratories, Inc unless otherwise noted.  Standard operating procedures (SOP) are available upon request.

In general, each colony is tested for commonly encountered viral and bacterial pathogens frequently (weekly or monthly), while rarely encountered agents are monitored quarterly.  For the specific list applicable to each species, please refer to the health monitoring report.  Frequency of monitoring and sample size is listed in the table below.  All animals submitted for diagnostic testing are selected randomly from the colony.

Table:  Frequency and Sample Size for Simonsen Health Monitoring

Agent Group

Frequency

# weanlings/mo

# adults/mo

Viruses   Weekly 

0

10

Mycoplasma Weekly 

0

10

Bacteria  Monthly

2

4
Parasites                 Monthly

2

4
Rare agents Quarterly

2*

4*

*Per quarterly examination

Dates reported for weekly, monthly, and quarterly testing reflect the most recent test date: results of previous testing are available on request. The list of pathogens and infectious agents for each species which are specifically monitored, and noted in this report, meet or exceed international standards for rodent health monitoring.

Additional microbiologic pathogens will be monitored and reported in those cases when associated with lesions or clinical signs of disease, when there is evidence of changes or abnormalities in breeding performance or physiological parameters, or when immunodeficient animals are examined.

 

Kraft V. Deeney AA, Blanchet HM, et al. (1994) Recommendations for the health monitoring of mouse, rat, hamster, guinea pig, and rabbit colonies.  Laboratory Animals 28 (1):1-12.